- Gatwick Airport was left without running water at both terminals on Sunday morning due to a power failure at a treatment works serving the area.
- SES Water reported that the power outage was fixed and that supplies were gradually returning, with water pressure starting to return to normal by evening.
- No flight cancellations were reported as a result of the water supply issues, although Easyjet adjusted bag drop times to open two hours before departure instead of three.
- Passengers experienced confusion and frustration as all bars and restaurants were shut, and many toilets were out of order due to the lack of running water.
- Gatwick Airport apologized for the inconvenience and stated that staff had been handing out bottled water to affected passengers.
- SES Water indicated that the treatment works were back up and running, but noted that it would take time for the network to fully return to normal due to the issue being described as "a highly unusual and complex issue."
Gatwick Airport experienced a major water supply disruption on Sunday, impacting both terminals after a power failure at a treatment works.17
SES Water confirmed that the outage was resolved, but noted it would take time for the network to fully normalize due to the incident being described as "a highly unusual and complex issue."28
By late afternoon, the airport reported that water pressure was beginning to return to normal, but many facilities remained inoperable.
Gatwick staff distributed bottled water to passengers, but confusion reigned as toilets were out of order and all bars and restaurants were closed, leading to long waits outside the remaining facilities.56
Passenger Paul Lee expressed frustration, stating he had not received any announcements regarding the situation.
In response to the water supply issue, Easyjet announced that bag drop desks would open two hours before departure instead of the usual three.
Despite the chaos, Gatwick confirmed that there were no flight cancellations due to the water supply problems and that they were working closely with SES Water to minimize the impact.34
“SES Water said the power outage was fixed and supplies were gradually returning, but added it would take time as it was 'a highly unusual and complex issue.' The disruption forced all bars and restaurants to close, with many toilets out of order and passengers reporting confusion.”
BBC
