A severe water outage at Gatwick Airport has left passengers unable to flush toilets, wash hands, or refill water bottles, while restaurants and bars remain closed. The disruption stems from a power outage at SES Water’s Bough Beech Water Treatment Works, affecting both terminals and nearby Horley residents.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
SES Water, the supplier, confirmed a power outage at its treatment plant caused low pressure or total water loss for some customers in Kent and Sussex. The airport distributed bottled water and apologized for the inconvenience, though some passengers reported not receiving updates or supplies. Flights remained unaffected.
Deeper Dive & Context
Passenger Reactions
Some travelers expressed frustration, with one calling the restaurant closures a "joke" and another noting seating shortages. Former MP Michael Dugher urged the airport to open closed spaces for seating. Meanwhile, Paul Lee told the BBC the lack of communication was problematic for those with long layovers.
Operational Impact
Restaurants and bars closed, with only pre-made meals available. Staff handed out bottled water, but passengers reported inconsistent distribution. The airport assured contingency measures were in place to ensure passenger welfare.
Broader Context
The outage also affected Horley residents, according to local media. SES Water is working to restore supplies, though no timeline was provided. The airport has not indicated when full service will resume.