Gatwick Airport faced a water supply outage that left toilets unusable and many food and beverage outlets closed across both terminals, with services gradually restoring as the day progressed.

Travel guidance advised passengers not to arrive too early to manage expected delays and access limits during the disruption.

SES Water acknowledged the disruption, warned that supplies would take time to return to normal, and thanked stakeholders for their patience as restoration continues.

Passenger experiences varied: some criticized a lack of public announcements, while others remained calm as bottled water was distributed and essential shops stayed open, with security lines and flights operating as usual.

Authorities and airport management monitored the situation with local and international media coverage, but no precise restart time had been announced.

Social media included calls from figures like Michael Dugher urging the airport to open seating areas for stranded or waiting passengers.

Initial outbound flights from the North Terminal to Athens (easyJet) and from the South Terminal to Podgorica (Wizz Air) signaled that departures were expected to proceed as scheduled.

Monday morning saw departures continue as planned, including easyJet to Athens from the North Terminal and Wizz Air to Podgorica from the South Terminal.

Airport and airline staff remained on duty to minimize disruption as operations began again, with departures starting around early morning hours.

Gatwick attributed the issue to a fault in the Horley area and said it was investigating, with contingency plans in place and apologies issued for the disruption.

The disruption hit during the peak holiday travel period, causing widespread delays for travelers.

Officials stressed coordinated responses among Gatwick, SES Water, and airport partners to minimize impact and reassure travellers.