Water supply problem affects both terminals at Gatwick Airport

A passenger at the airport, Paul Lee, told the BBC he had not heard any announcements about the issue or seen bottled water being handed out.

He said: “For people who need to go to the toilet, this isn’t good, and still no announcement or official information – and the water they mentioned isn’t being distributed.

“I’m taking off soon, so that’s fine, but for passengers in a few hours, this will be bad.”

Lee added that restaurants and lounges were shut but shops were open.

Former MP and ex-CEO of UK Music Michael Dugher urged the airport on social media to “at least allow people to use the chairs in all the closed restaurants and bars”.

Dugher, who was recently appointed the UK government’s first “music champion”, said: “No water is one thing but depriving people of somewhere to sit is another… families are having to sit on the floor.”

People heading to the airport for flights have been advised not to arrive early.

A statement from Easyjet said: “Due to a water supply issue affecting London Gatwick Airport, bag drop desks are temporarily opening two hours before departure instead of three hours.”

The airline said: “Please do not arrive earlier, as you will not be able to drop off your bags or enter the departure lounge until bag drop opens.”

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