Gatwick Airport suffers major water shortage as travellers unable to flush toilets

There is a serious water outage at Gatwick Airport; Passengers cannot use toilets and hand washing facilities.

Although flights were not affected, many services were disrupted at both terminals of Sussex airport.

Passengers shared online that they could not buy hot drinks, wash their hands or fill their water bottles.

Due to the problem that also affects people living in Kent and Sussex, bottled water is given to passengers at the airport.

People are being given bottled water as staff try to resolve the issue, which is also affecting Kent and Sussex residents.

In the statement made on social media by the airport, the following statements were used: “The water problem in the Horley area is causing disruption at the airport this morning. The problem affects the water supply in both terminals and is currently being investigated.”

“Bottled water is being offered to passengers and staff throughout the airport and other emergency measures are being taken to ensure the well-being of our passengers.

“We will provide further updates and apologize for any inconvenience caused to passengers.”

SES Water, which provides water to the airport, said that there was a “problem” at Dal Kayini Water Treatment Plants.

Some customers were reported to be experiencing either low water pressure or loss of supply.

“We are now delivering bottled water to the most vulnerable customers on our Priority Services Register who need it most.

“Our teams are working hard to return water supplies to normal and we apologize to everyone affected.”

Talk host Julia Hartley-Brewer said in a post on X that there was “no running water in the entire airport.”

“This means no coffee, no water fountains, no flush toilets and no hand washing.

“Gatwick didn’t bother to make a public statement to passengers about this. How helpful…”

Former MP and recently appointed government “music champion” Michael Dugher wrote on social media: “At least allow people to use chairs in all indoor restaurants and bars. No water is one thing, depriving people of a place to sit is another… families are forced to sit on the floor…”

Another user on X said that no restaurants or bars could open.

Gatwick is the UK’s second busiest airport after Heathrow and was the 10th busiest airport in Europe in terms of passenger traffic in 2024.

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