Story perspectives

Power Glitch Halts Gatwick Water, Flights Remain On-time

7/27/2026

Summary

Gatwick Water Crisis

A power problem at a water-treatment plant on July 26 cut pressure, causing a water-supply failure that closed toilets and many food outlets at London Gatwick Airport.
Staff handed out bottled water and boosted hygiene in the few open restrooms while runways and air-traffic control stayed operational, keeping flights largely on schedule.
Gatwick also launched a non-stop service to Harare, Zimbabwe, the first direct UK-Harare flight in more than a decade.

Summary

Dugher Urges Chairs

Passengers reported no airport announcements about the water shutdown.
Former MP Michael Dugher urged the airport to open chairs in closed restaurants and bars for families on the floor.
EasyJet said bag-drop desks will open two hours before departure, not three, and advised passengers not to arrive early.
SES Water said postcode areas TN8, TN11, RH1, RH6 and RH10 had no water and that bottled water is being delivered.

History

Historical Context

In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina broke New Orleans’ water system, leaving about 1.5 million people without tap water; FEMA and the US Army Corps of Engineers spent $14.5 billion to restore service to 90 percent of homes within two months. The July 26 2024 pressure loss at Gatwick Airport’s water-treatment plant saw SES Water supply bottled water, echoing the same inter-agency logistics used after Katrina.

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Gatwick Water Crisis

A power problem at a water-treatment plant on July 26 cut pressure, causing a water-supply failure that closed toilets and many food outlets at London Gatwick Airport.
Staff handed out bottled water and boosted hygiene in the few open restrooms while runways and air-traffic control stayed operational, keeping flights largely on schedule.
Gatwick also launched a non-stop service to Harare, Zimbabwe, the first direct UK-Harare flight in more than a decade.

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