Gatwick Airport Hit by Water Outage After Burst Main

Water Main Burst Impacts North Terminal Facilities

According to SES Water, utility crews located the burst main in Horley, which cut off supply to parts of the airport and triggered low water pressure across the network. A Gatwick Airport spokesperson confirmed that the issue affected water supply in both terminals. While the majority of restrooms in the South Terminal remained open and unaffected, facilities in the North Terminal experienced closures. Portable toilets were brought to the site to manage the shortfall, according to BBC reports. Food and beverage outlets in the North Terminal stayed open strictly for passenger seating during the height of the disruption.

Utility Repairs and Flight Operations

SES Water head of networks Anthony Rochester stated that workers restored water supplies to Gatwick Airport and surrounding areas by re-routing the local utility network. Gatwick Airport confirmed that all flights continued to depart as scheduled throughout the incident, with no flight cancellations reported. SES Water and airport operators worked to return normal water pressure and flow through terminal buildings. Food outlets subsequently reopened to serve hot food, and airport officials stated that restrooms remained accessible via alternative facilities.

Comparison to Previous Summer Disruption

This incident follows a separate supply failure in July, when both Gatwick terminals lost running water for several hours due to a power failure at a regional treatment works. That earlier failure also caused long queues for restrooms and the closure of multiple airport restaurants and bars. Passengers expressed frustration over the repeat occurrences, with traveler Natasha Nzekwe noting to the BBC that handwashing facilities were unavailable during the latest outage.