Flight cancellations due to potential jet fuel crisis would be ‘last resort’ – ACSA

JOHANNESBURG - The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) says flight cancellations are a possibility in the face of a potential jet fuel crisis, but adds that this will likely be a last resort for airlines.
 
The inland refinery and OR Tambo International Airport’s main source of jet fuel, Natref, is currently preparing for a planned temporary shutdown in the coming months.

Petroleum companies and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) are locked in a dispute over the use of a multi-product pipeline that transports imported fuel from Durban as an alternative.
  
“Airlines have individual contracts with the oil companies, and when their oil companies indicate to them that they're struggling to meet their demands, airlines will take operational decisions,” said ACSA’s Terence Delomoney.

“But it’s not necessary - cancelling flights is the last resort. There are many steps and contingencies to look at before making the decision to cancel, and the airline will consider all of that.”

Earlier this week, ACSA said that stock levels at OR Tambo International Airport dipped below the recommended five days’ cover due to the situation.

But Delomoney said things are now looking up on that front.
 
“What we are seeing now - yesterday [Thursday] and today [Friday] - we’re starting to build up again to over the five days, so that’s at least coming back on track.”