Flights maintained during Gatwick water shortage

An apology was issued after Gatwick was left without running water following a power outage at a local treatment works on Sunday.

Bottled water was distributed to passengers and staff, as many water fountains, toilets and handwashing facilities stopped working across both terminals.

Gatwick said at around 10pm the water supply had “returned to the vast majority” of the airport, adding. “Most toilet facilities are now open and we expect all toilets - as well as food and beverage outlets - to be open for tomorrow’s first flights.” 

The incident was caused by a power outage at the Bough Beech treatment works, which is owned by SES Water. 

SES first alerted that it was having problems around 7am on Sunday. It said that the problem was fixed by mid-afternoon, but water still needed to be treated before normal supply could resume.

Some toilets at Gatwick did remain operational on Sunday. Flights were still running from the airport throughout the disruption, with some airlines advising customers against arriving at the airport too early. 

Gatwick posted on X last night: “Following an issue at the Bough Beech water treatment works which impacted the local area today, we are pleased to report that the water supply has now been returned to the vast majority of the London Gatwick campus.

“Since becoming aware of the issue, we have been working closely with SES Water and our airport partners to help minimise the impact, and ensure all flights departed as scheduled.

“We recognise the inconvenience caused by today’s water shortage and than passengers for their patience and understanding.

“We’d also like to thank airport staff and our partners, who have gone aboce and beyond to support passengers and keep disruption at a minimum.”

SES Water said: “We would like to thank customers and our partners at Gatwick airport for their continued patience, and we are sorry for the inconvenience this is causing.” 

The company added that it was distributing bottled water to vulnerable customers.