Gatwick Airport Restores Water After Bough Beech Treatment Failure

A power outage at the Bough Beech water treatment works caused a significant water outage at Gatwick Airport starting July 26, 2026. The failure disabled toilets, hand-washing facilities, and water fountains across both terminals, forcing the closure of several food and beverage outlets including Starbucks, Greggs, and Wetherspoon. While retail shops remained open and flights continued to operate, passengers faced a lack of seating and limited access to hot drinks.

SES Water reported that the technical failure also affected residents in the Horley area and parts of Kent and Sussex. Airport authorities responded by distributing bottled water to staff and passengers and implementing contingency measures. Although the treatment facility was restored on Sunday afternoon, SES Water noted that the water required further treatment before services could return to normal.

By Monday, Gatwick Airport announced that water supplies had fully returned and all toilet and dining facilities were reopened. Despite the resolution, some passengers criticized the airport for inadequate contingency planning and a lack of communication during the disruption.