Gatwick Airport is slowly seeing its water supply return after a significant outage that left passengers facing long queues for toilets and closed restaurants and bars. The situation has become quite complex, with both terminals experiencing the effects of this unusual disruption. According to the airport, they are working diligently to restore normal operations, but many toilets remain closed due to the supply issues.
Passengers have expressed their frustration. One traveler, who had just arrived from Valencia, reported that his flight was delayed because of the water supply disruption. He noted that landing slots were being rearranged, causing further delays. When he stepped off the plane, he found no running water at all. “It was a total mess,” he said, adding that the atmosphere was filled with grumpiness as people were unable to get drinks from bars due to the closures.
As the situation unfolded, many toilets at the airport became inoperable, with taps and flushes not working. Only a few facilities remained open, drawing on emergency water supplies. One passenger described the scene, saying there was “a very long queue to the ladies’ toilets and a short queue to the men.” Another traveler reported being turned away from the restrooms altogether.
The delays have left some passengers stranded for hours. Sarah Houchin, waiting for her flight to Lefkada in Greece, lamented, “I had to wait nearly two-and-a-half hours longer at the airport. The queues are really long, and the toilets are disgusting.” She added, “As you can imagine, you can smell them.” With a total lack of information from the airport, many were left feeling fed up, wondering when things would get back to normal.
Easyjet has advised passengers not to arrive too early for their flights, as the situation remains fluid. Meanwhile, SES Water, the company responsible for the local water supply, indicated that several postcodes were affected, with low pressure or no water service. They are delivering bottled water to vulnerable customers in the area.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Gatwick has faced such issues. The airport and the surrounding community dealt with similar water supply problems back in July 2022, when low pressure from a burst water main affected 1,200 homes and closed toilet facilities at the airport.
Passengers are encouraged to stay updated and remain patient as the airport works to resolve the ongoing situation. With essential facilities still struggling, one can’t help but wonder how long it will take for everything to return to normal. Keep an eye on the developments as they unfold…
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber