Gatwick Airport has successfully resolved a significant water supply issue that left both terminals without running water, causing extended queues for toilets and the closure of numerous restaurants and bars. The disruption, which began on Sunday morning, resulted from a power failure at a nearby treatment facility, leading to widespread frustration among passengers.
Power Failure Causes Water Outage
On Sunday, July 26, 2026, Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second busiest airport, experienced a major setback when a power outage at the Bough Beech treatment works interrupted the water supply. Passengers reported a confusing situation as essential facilities, including bars and restaurants, were shut down, leaving many without access to food and drink. Long queues formed outside the few operating toilets, with some passengers expressing their discomfort at the lack of information and amenities.
SES Water, the company responsible for supplying water to the airport and surrounding areas, confirmed that the power issue had been rectified by Sunday afternoon. Nevertheless, they warned that it would take some time for the water supply network to return to its normal state, given the complexity of the incident. A spokesperson for SES Water stated, “We want to reiterate that our teams are working as quickly as they possibly can and we are grateful for everyone’s patience.”
Airport Staff Mobilised to Assist Passengers
In response to the crisis, Gatwick Airport’s management apologised for the inconvenience caused and arranged for staff to distribute bottled water to passengers. They also indicated that some restaurant partners had reopened to provide additional seating options. The airport emphasised that there were no flight cancellations as a direct result of the water issues and assured the public that they were collaborating closely with SES Water to mitigate the impact on travellers.
Passenger accounts highlighted the severity of the situation. Paul Lee, a traveller, remarked on the lack of announcements regarding the outage and noted that the distribution of bottled water was not apparent. He stated, “For people who need to go to the toilet, this isn’t good… I’m taking off soon, but for passengers in a few hours, this will be bad.”
Discontent Among Passengers
The impact of the water supply disruption was clearly felt across the airport, as many facilities were rendered unusable. Reports indicated that a significant number of toilets were closed due to the lack of water for handwashing and flushing. Sarah Houchin, another passenger, described her experience waiting for her delayed flight, saying, “The toilets are either closed or they send you to another toilet and it’s a really long queue… you can smell them.”
Frustration among passengers was palpable, as many expressed concerns about the absence of proper communication from the airport. Ian Bubb, who was travelling to Alicante with British Airways, labelled the situation “an absolute disgrace” and highlighted the lack of contingency planning for such emergencies.
Adjustments for Travellers
As a precautionary measure, Gatwick Airport has advised passengers not to arrive earlier than necessary, with EasyJet announcing that bag drop desks would only open two hours prior to departure instead of the usual three. This measure aims to manage the flow of passengers effectively during the ongoing water supply recovery.
SES Water confirmed that several areas, including parts of Kent and Surrey, experienced low water pressure or complete loss of supply. They are actively delivering bottled water to vulnerable customers affected by the outage.
Why it Matters
The resolution of the water supply issue at Gatwick Airport underscores the critical importance of infrastructure reliability in the aviation sector. As one of the UK’s key travel hubs, any disruption at Gatwick can create significant challenges not only for the airport’s operations but also for passengers and airlines. The incident highlights the need for robust contingency plans and effective communication strategies to ensure that travellers are kept informed and supported during emergencies. The swift restoration of services is essential for maintaining public confidence in the airport’s ability to manage unforeseen events.