Passengers at Gatwick airport have no access to working toilets or bars and restaurants because of a water supply failure.
Although flights are unaffected, several services have been compromised at both of the West Sussex airport’s terminals, with passengers posting online that they are unable to get hot drinks, wash their hands or fill up water bottles.
Bottled water is being given to travellers at the airport because of the problem that is also affecting people living in Kent and Sussex.
Water firm SES Water said: “We are currently experiencing interruptions to water supplies in parts of the TN 11, RH1, RH6, and RH10 postcode areas.
“Our teams are on site and working to restore supplies as quickly and safely as possible. Customers in some areas may experience low pressure or no water while recovery work is completed.
Gatwick Airport said: “A water issue in the Horley area is causing disruption at the airport this morning. The problem is affecting water supply in both terminals and is currently under investigation.
“Bottled water is being made available to passengers and staff across the airport and other contingency measures are being put in place to ensure the welfare of our passengers.
“We will provide further updates and apologise for any inconvenience to passengers.”
SES Water’s official X account posted an update at 5.57pm on Sunday to say that water is returning to the airport.
“Supplies are gradually returning for impacted customers including Gatwick Airport – it will take time for the network to fully return to normal as this has been a highly unusual and complex issue,” they said.
“We want to reiterate that our teams are working as quickly as they possibly can and we are grateful for everyone’s patience.”
On Sunday evening, Gatwick said the water supply is returning to a “normal level” at the airport.
A statement on Gatwick’s social media said that more staff had been put on shift to help deal with issues caused by the shortage, such as blocked toilets, low pressure or non-running taps, and closed services.
A post on X said: “We recognise the inconvenience caused by today’s water shortage, following an issue at the Bough Beech Water Treatment Works that has impacted the local area.
“Since becoming aware of the issue, we have been working closely with SES Water and our airport partners to help minimise the impact.
“We are pleased to report that water pressure is beginning to return to normal, and our teams are working hard to reopen toilets and other facilities as quickly and safely as possible.
“Additional staff have been deployed across both terminals to support passengers and maintain operations.”
TalkTV presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer posted on X: “If you’re on your way to Gatwick Airport, it might be helpful to know that there is no running water across the entire airport.
“That means no coffees, no water fountains, no flushing toilets and no hand washing.
“Gatwick hasn’t bothered to make a public announcement about this to passengers. How helpful…”
On Facebook, one user posted: “Gasping for a drink & crossing my legs right now. This is ridiculous! Gatwick airport has shut all restaurants and most toilets due to a water outage.
“Not a great start to the holiday.”
Former MP and recently appointed Government “music champion” Michael Dugher wrote on social media: “At least allow people to use the chairs in all the closed restaurants and bars. No water is one thing, but depriving people of somewhere to sit is another… families are having to sit on the floor…”
Roger Wood, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, arrived at Gatwick South Terminal at around 11am on Sunday to fly to New York.
He told the Press Association: “There was no communication. We arrived at 11ish and it had only started recently.
“We met friends at the bar but they couldn’t serve us as they were unable to wash their hands.
“I’ve never seen Wetherspoons empty. No idea when it’ll be resolved, the toilets also lacked water to wash hands.”
By late afternoon, the Wetherspoon pub, Greggs, Giraffe restaurant and Black Sheep Cafe were still shut in the South Terminal before security, while in the North Terminal Starbucks had its shutters down.
Toilets were shut with water running at very low pressure in the restrooms.
Retail shops including Marks and Spencer, Boots and WHSmith remained open with well-stocked water bottle supplies.
One passenger, who didn’t wish to be named, said they were “nervous” about the lack of toilets before their flight, but others said they were “not too worried” and “not bothered”.
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