Fuel supplies: Cape Town International Airport issues alert

Yesterday, 26 September, Cape Town International Airport revealed details regarding a possible fuel shortage. Read more about it here…

Speculation has been rife on Monday, after it was alleged that Cape Town International Airport was running low on one of its most precious commodities. But just how much jet fuel is in reserve at this major transport hub?

HERE’S HOW MUCH FUEL REMAINS AT CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Well, we can confirm that there is indeed something of a shortage occurring at CTIA. Earlier today, Airport Companies South Africa (ACSA) issued a statement, revealing that airlines have been told to ‘ease off’ refuelling on the tarmac.

Not only are supplies running low, but a shipment to replenish the reserves has been DELAYED for a few days. That means that, as of 26 September, the Mother city’s airport only has enough fuel ‘to last for the next four days’.

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ONE OF SA’S BUSIEST AIRPORTS HIT BY ‘FUEL SHORTAGE’

So, can we call it a crisis? ACSA certainly wouldn’t go that far. They already have a plan in place to avoid this so-called ‘stock out’, and officials remain confident that the jet fuel tanks can be replenished up to a limit of six days for the week ahead.

Limits of fuel consumption at the airport remain in place, and suppliers have been instructed to ‘hold on’ to their remaining stock:

“ACSA has issued a Notice to Airmen, requesting airlines to reduce fuel uplift from Cape Town International Airport, as a precautionary measure to prevent the risk of ‘stock out’. The Airport has four days of stick left, and is building levels up six days.”

“Various fuel suppliers are also holding stock in their tanks, and will deliver additional jet fuel to CTIA. The Airport has, however, been advised by suppliers of a delayed shipment to the facility. Therefore, airlines have been asked to reduce their fuel uplift from The Airport.” | ACSA statement

WILL TRAVEL BE DISRUPTED AT CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT? THE ANSWER IS NO…

Gopolang Peme is a spokesperson for ACSA. He has responded to the biggest question of them all, regarding any potential disruption to flights. According to Mr. Peme, this situation will have ‘zero impact’ on passengers, and it’s very much business as normal in the Mother City.

“Passengers must not be concerned, as this will not impact any of their flights or their travel. Contingency plans are underway and it’s business as usual across our airports – including Cape Town International Airport.” | Gopolang Peme

By: Tom Head