Passengers travelling to and from Gatwick Airport (LGW), the UK’s second busiest airport, endured long queues for toilets after a major water outage on Sunday morning, July 26. A travel expert said the water problems at Gatwick Airport that forced the closure of toilets and restaurants were “unprecedented”.
Passengers’ Reaction to the Water Loss
Francesca Nand, a passenger who was due to board a flight from Gatwick Airport on Monday, told BBC Radio Sussex that the water outage was “unprecedented” and that “this has never happened before.”
“The airport authorities were probably wondering what to do, focusing on getting everyone through safely and onto their flights which, thankfully, weren’t too affected.”
Passengers arriving at Gatwick on Sunday described the situation as “pretty grubby” and said that there was “nothing to wash their hands with”.
Cause of the Outage
Gatwick Airport’s water supplier, SES Water, said that the problem was caused by a power failure at Bough Beech Water Treatment Works.
Gatwick Airport posted on X:
“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 returned to the vast majority of the London Gatwick campus. Most toilet facilities are now open and we expect all toilets – as well as food and beverage outlets – to be open for tomorrow’s [Monday] first flights. Since becoming aware of the issue, we have been working closely with @SESWater and our airport partners to help minimise the impact, and ensure all today’s flights departed as scheduled.”
SES Water added that there may be some discolouration or slower flows as the water network slowly returns to normal.
What are your thoughts on Gatwick Airport’s “unprecedented” water loss? Let us know in the comments!
