Gatwick Airport is experiencing a severe water supply failure that has left both terminals without running water, causing widespread disruption for travellers. The shortage has rendered toilets unusable and forced airport staff to distribute bottled water to passengers. The problem emerged suddenly, catching many travellers off guard as they prepared for their journeys.
The airport confirmed that the loss of water is affecting all areas of the facility, including washrooms, drinking fountains, and catering outlets. Passengers reported finding non-flushing toilets and a lack of water for hand washing, raising hygiene concerns. Staff have been deployed throughout the departure and arrival halls to hand out bottled water and provide assistance.
In an official statement, Gatwick Airport said the issue is currently under investigation and apologised for the inconvenience caused. Engineers are working on site to identify the source of the problem and to restore normal water supply as quickly as possible. The airport has not yet provided a timeline for full restoration, but efforts are ongoing.
The timing of the outage is particularly challenging, as the airport is currently handling high volumes of passengers during the summer holiday period. Long queues have formed at water distribution points and at the few available facilities that remain operational. The airport has urged travellers to be patient and to check with their airlines for any updates on their flights.
Local authorities have been alerted and are ready to provide additional support if necessary. The airport is also collaborating with the local water utility company to expedite repairs and to understand the cause of the failure. Temporary portable toilet units have been brought in to supplement the affected washrooms and to help alleviate the situation.
The water shortage has also had an impact on retail outlets, restaurants, and airport lounges within the terminals. Many of these businesses rely on running water for their daily operations, and some have been forced to close or limit their services. Despite the disruption, flights continue to operate as scheduled, but passenger comfort has been significantly compromised.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure at major transport hubs, where even a temporary loss of essential services can cause significant inconvenience. Gatwick Airport has assured the public that it is doing everything possible to resolve the situation swiftly and to return to normal operations as soon as possible. The airport thanked passengers for their understanding and cooperation during the disruption.
