Gatwick Airport's North and South terminals have been plunged into chaos as a major water supply disruption leaves travellers facing hours of misery in non-functioning toilets, closed restaurants and severe inconvenience. The crisis has sparked widespread alarm among passengers and staff alike, with bottled water being rushed to the scene to mitigate the impact.
Airport authorities scrambled to issue an apology via social media after reports flooded in of the scale of the problem, which they confirmed is linked to a separate issue affecting the Horley area – now under active investigation. As the situation continues to unfold, passengers and staff alike are bracing themselves for further disruptions.
SES Water, responsible for supplying parts of Kent, Surrey, south London and Gatwick Airport itself, has acknowledged the problem. A spokesperson revealed that a power outage at their Bough Beech Water Treatment Works had caused complications, leading to low water pressure or complete loss of supply for some customers – including the airport.
The utility company stressed its teams are working around the clock to resolve the issue and restore full operational capacity as swiftly as possible. They are in close communication with Gatwick Airport to coordinate efforts and ensure a swift return to normal service.
For UK travellers set to depart from or arrive at Gatwick, it is crucial to check latest flight information through their airline and the airport's official channels before travelling. With bottled water available, passengers may wish to carry hand sanitiser and consider packing snacks or drinks – particularly if their flight is delayed or they anticipate extended airport stays.