Both terminals affected
A water supply issue disrupted operations at both terminals of London Gatwick Airport on Sunday, caused by a power outage at SES Water's Bough Beech water treatment works in the Horley area. The airport confirmed that the problem, which occurred during the busy summer holiday period, was under investigation and had led to low water pressure or temporary loss of supply across the facility. SES Water stated that the power outage at the treatment works, first reported early Sunday morning, had caused complications, affecting not only the airport but also parts of Kent, Surrey, and south London. The utility said it was working to restore normal service as quickly as possible and issued an update at 6am acknowledging the issue. SES Water apologized to affected customers for the inconvenience.[S1][S2][S3][S4]
Toilets became unusable without flushing water, and hand-washing facilities were non-functional. Restaurants, bars, and lounges closed, including popular chains like Nando's and Wetherspoon, with staff stationed at entrances to turn customers away. Shops selling packaged food remained open. Bottled water was distributed, but some passengers, such as Paul Lee, reported not seeing any announcements or water handouts. Former MP Michael Dugher urged the airport to allow people to sit in closed restaurant chairs, as families were forced to sit on the floor. Passengers noted that conditions worsened over time, and some expressed concern for travelers with longer waits ahead.[S1][S2][S5]
Contingency measures and passenger frustration
Gatwick Airport implemented contingency measures, distributing bottled water to passengers and staff and opening some restaurant partners to provide additional seating. SES Water confirmed that its Bough Beech treatment works were back online by early Sunday afternoon, but that water treatment was required before normal service could resume. The company said it was delivering bottled water to vulnerable customers in affected postcodes, including TN8, TN11, RH1, RH6, and RH10, and apologized for the inconvenience. This incident follows a similar water issue in July 2022, when a burst water main caused low pressure affecting 1,200 homes and closing toilet facilities at the airport. The airport apologized and said it would provide further updates as the situation developed.[S1][S2][S4][S6]
Passengers expressed frustration over the lack of communication and amenities. Paul Lee told the BBC he had heard no announcements about the issue and had not seen bottled water distributed. Broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer posted that there was no running water across the entire airport, meaning no coffees, water fountains, flushing toilets, or hand washing. Michael Dugher criticized the airport for not providing seating, noting families were sitting on the floor. Roger Wood described arriving at the south terminal to find all restaurants and bars closed, saying he thought his friends were joking. He added that while toilets were accessible, there was no way to wash hands.[S1][S2][S5]
Regarding flight operations, Gatwick Airport stated that flights were not directly impacted, but some passengers experienced delays. BBC reporter Adam Dowling noted that his flight from Valencia was delayed as landing slots were moved to reduce incoming traffic. Easyjet temporarily opened bag drop only two hours before departure, advising passengers not to arrive early. The BBC has contacted Gatwick to confirm any flight disruption. The airport said it was working closely with SES Water to restore supplies as quickly as possible. The airport stated that 'there is currently no water supply in either terminal' and that staff were assisting passengers.[S1][S2][S5]
