South Africa Secures Jet Fuel Supply: OR Tambo Flights Stabilized Through February
The South African National Department of Transport has successfully secured 121.1 million litres of jet fuel, ensuring uninterrupted operations at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. This development is critical for African travel agents, as it alleviates concerns about potential flight disruptions due to fuel shortages. The secured fuel supply is expected to last until the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) refinery reopens, which is anticipated at the end of February 2025.
The fuel assurance comes after an urgent meeting convened by the Minister of Transport, Ms. Barbara Creecy, which included key stakeholders like the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA), and SASOL. The meeting was prompted by the unexpected shutdown of NATREF due to a fire, which disrupted the country’s fuel supply. The collaborative effort shows that the South African authorities are committed to resolving any issues that could impact the local travel industry.
The unexpected refinery closure caused significant challenges, forcing some airlines to refuel at alternative airports like Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek (Namibia) and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban. These diversions led to significant inconvenience for both passengers and crew, underlining how important is for airlines to have a consistent supply of fuel. Initially, 50 million litres of jet fuel were secured by January 22, followed by an additional 71.1 million litres, bringing the total supply up to 121.1 million litres.
The fuel will be imported through the Port of Durban, with three vessels scheduled to arrive on 01 and 10 February 2025. This logistical undertaking demonstrates the collaborative efforts of the different stakeholders to ensure the smooth delivery of fuel to OR Tambo. A plan for transporting the fuel from Durban to Johannesburg is being developed, with an update expected by 31 January 2025, and should give further reassurance to the local travel industry.
In addition to addressing the immediate crisis, the meeting emphasized the need to establish a fuel reserve as a safety buffer for future unforeseen events. ACSA will be working with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to explore this. For African travel agents, this initiative means more stable flight schedules and a reduced risk of disruptions. This news should instill confidence and encourage bookings to and from Johannesburg through the OR Tambo International Airport. The secure supply of fuel is an important development that will ensure smooth operations across the aviation industry in Southern Africa.
