Aviation fuel issues at O.R. Tambo airport

[spike.t]

https://topauto.co.za/news/123162/planes-avoiding-south-africas-biggest-airport/

 

[Ontario Hunter]

What's the story Spike? I'm unable to open the link.

 

[Green Chile]

first part of article says...

"Several flights have been diverted away from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to refuel at other locations as the country’s biggest airport faces a fuel supply crisis.

This follows a fire at the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref) refinery on 4 January 2025, which severely impacted the production and supply of jet fuels.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has thus far confirmed that it has been able to secure enough supply for OR Tambo for January but is still working on plans to acquire sufficient reserves for February.

The airport currently has 27.1 million litres of jet fuel on hand and uses about 3.6 million litres a day which, meaning the remaining stock is expected to run out on 2 February 2025.

Meanwhile, Natref only anticipates restarting production on 27 February."

 

[Daveboone]

I didnt open the story, but we had experience with fuel shortages there in 2022. Supposedly after torrential rains, they were unable to get aviation fuel to Tambo, in our case greatly affecting United flights. All United flights overseas were affected, requiring a delay and rescheduling on another airline.
Travel Express quickly showed their worth for their service. Within an hour of us getting notified, we notified them. Within two hours, they had a back up travel plan for us, including overnight accommodations at Afton house. Due to their very fast action, we were minimally inconvenienced, but thousands were really out on a limb. That is travel in Africa for ya...be sure to leave travel lee way.

 

[HWL]

The core is as always. They are unable to operate a difficult business reliable.
You can look wherever you want in South Africa.

HWL

 

[IvW]

first part of article says...

"Several flights have been diverted away from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to refuel at other locations as the country’s biggest airport faces a fuel supply crisis.

This follows a fire at the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref) refinery on 4 January 2025, which severely impacted the production and supply of jet fuels.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has thus far confirmed that it has been able to secure enough supply for OR Tambo for January but is still working on plans to acquire sufficient reserves for February.

The airport currently has 27.1 million litres of jet fuel on hand and uses about 3.6 million litres a day which, meaning the remaining stock is expected to run out on 2 February 2025.

Meanwhile, Natref only anticipates restarting production on 27 February."

Correct

 

[Piet-Vis]

I landed and took off at OR Tambo today, there was no indication that there was any disruptions.

But yes. We don't do complicated things well.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

A few years ago a similar refinery fire screwed things up here. It happens. As I recall the impact was felt most by heating oil users.

 

[HWL]

But yes. We don't do complicated things well.

Piet, you know what guys I mean.

HWL

 

[spike.t]

Disaster in slow motion at SA’s airports

Airports Company South Africa’s fuel woes cause chaos (again) at international airports, disrupting flights and infuriating travellers.

www.dailymaverick.co.za

 

[Philip Glass]

The last time this happened United cancelled flights leaving people stranded.