Gatwick fuel shortage forces airlines to refuel elsewhere for two days
Pilots told to load maximum fuel at other airports as engineers work to restore supply
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Only a memo and airport X post are cited; no named individuals, so limited corroboration.
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Provides context and quotes Gatwick, but mixes speculation and lacks detailed next steps.
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Gatwick Airport has instructed airlines to refuel aircraft at other airports due to a shortage of aviation fuel expected to last until Tuesday. The alert, issued to pilots, advises loading the maximum possible fuel before arriving at Gatwick to avoid disruptions during the summer travel period.
A memo sent to carriers stated, "Gatwick has a shortage of fuel for the next two days." The airport has also issued a separate alert to airline chiefs warning of "potential disruption to the Gatwick fuel supply," as reported by The Standard. The shortage is expected to impact long-haul flights most severely, as pilots may be unable to carry sufficient fuel from overseas destinations without exceeding weight limits.
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Engineers race to restore fuel supply
The fuel shortage is linked to a major fuel farm that supplies Gatwick. Engineers are working to resolve the issue, though the exact cause remains unclear. The Standard reports that the crisis is not connected to the earlier concerns over fuel supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz.
A source told The Sun on Sunday that flights already en route to the UK when the alert was issued could not carry extra fuel. "Pilots will be trying to supplement as much fuel as they can down-route to protect the long-haul flights and stretch out supply," the source said. "The longer the fuel shortage lasts, the tighter it will get."
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Recent water outage added to passenger woes
The fuel shortage follows a water outage at Gatwick last Sunday, which left the airport without running water for over eight hours. SES Water, the regional supplier, attributed the outage to a power failure at its Bough Beech Water Treatment Works. The disruption forced the closure of toilets, bars, and restaurants, leaving passengers with limited seating and facilities.
We recognise the inconvenience caused by today’s water shortage, following an issue at the Bough Beech Water Treatment Works that has impacted the local area.
Gatwick Airport, statement on X
Gatwick Airport posted an update on X at 7.14pm on Sunday, stating that water pressure was beginning to return to normal. The airport said it had deployed additional staff to support passengers and reopen facilities as quickly as possible. SES Water engineers worked for hours to restore the water supply.
What happens next
Engineers are continuing efforts to resolve the fuel shortage at Gatwick. Airlines have been advised to monitor the situation and adjust refuelling plans accordingly. Passengers on long-haul flights may experience delays or disruptions, particularly from Monday onwards. Gatwick Airport has not issued a further update on the fuel supply issue.
Questions this report answers
+Why is Gatwick Airport running out of fuel?
Gatwick Airport is experiencing a fuel shortage linked to a fuel farm that supplies the airport. Engineers are working to resolve the issue, but the exact cause remains unclear. The shortage is expected to last two days.
+How will the fuel shortage affect flights?
Long-haul flights are expected to be most affected, as pilots may not be able to carry enough fuel from overseas destinations. Airlines have been instructed to refuel at other airports before arriving at Gatwick to mitigate disruption.
+What caused the water outage at Gatwick last Sunday?
The water outage was caused by a power failure at the Bough Beech Water Treatment Works, operated by SES Water. The outage lasted over eight hours, forcing the closure of toilets, bars, and restaurants at the airport.
+When will the fuel shortage at Gatwick be resolved?
The fuel shortage is expected to last until Tuesday. Engineers are working to restore the supply, but Gatwick Airport has not provided a specific timeline for resolution or issued further updates.
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