It has been reported that Cape Town International Airport currently only has enough jet fuel to last between four and six days after bad weather caused a supply shipment due on Sunday to be delayed at sea.
Speculations around whether a crisis is on our hands followed suit shortly after Airport Company SA (ACSA) issued a statement urging suppliers to hold onto their remaining stocks and airlines to ‘ease off’ refuelling on the tarmac with the aim of reducing the risk of jet fuel running out.
“ACSA has issued a Notice to Airmen, requesting airlines to reduce fuel uplift from Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), as a precautionary measure to prevent the risk of ‘stock out’. The Airport has four days of stick left, and is building levels up to six days.”
However, according to ACSA, there is little need for concern as there is already a plan in place to avoid a complete ‘stock out.’ Officials and local airlines remain certain that the fuel tanks can be replenished up to a limit of six days for the week ahead.
“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 spokesperson Gopolang Preme said travellers can rest assured that there will be zero impact on upcoming flight arrangements into and out of 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.”
Well, there we have it, folks. While there is in fact a shortage in fuel supply at Cape Town International Airport, there is certainly no impending crisis on our hands.
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