The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has reported that the aircraft refuelling system at OR Tambo International Airport, the country’s number one airport, located east of Johannesburg, has been restored to full operations. The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) has separately highlighted that the failure of the refuelling system had caused long delays and forced the cancellation of some flights, at the start of the peak summer holiday travel season.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused during this time and appreciate your patience and understanding,” said ACSA in its statement. “For passengers who may still be experiencing delays, we kindly advise reaching out directly to your respective airlines for further assistance. Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience.”

The airlines association pointed out that the problem was the failure of the main valve in the airport’s refuelling system. Moreover, this was the second time in two years that the main valve had failed. The association expressed “grave concern” at this latest failure of critically important equipment at the airport.

“Although AASA appreciates the efforts being made by [ACSA] to restore fuel supplies at what is Southern Africa’s busiest air travel and air cargo gateway, we urge ACSA to expedite the installation of the back-up bypass line that was promised as part of the fuel supply resilience plan after the previous main supply valve failure in December 2022,” affirmed AASA CEO Aaron Munetsi, on Monday evening.   

AASA reported that some of the local and regional airlines, operating flights into OR Tambo, were able to load their aircraft with extra fuel, so that they did not need to refuel after landing. But, because all the terminal parking bays were occupied by airliners lacking fuel to depart on schedule, the incoming aircraft had to park on the taxiways, and wait for buses, before disembarking their passengers and baggage. AASA was aware of at least one airliner that was able to take off from OR Tambo, then land minutes later at Lanseria International Airport (also in Gauteng province), refuel there, and then fly to its destination (Cape Town).

Meanwhile, separately, ACSA has denied that it is on the edge of liquidation, due to unpaid debts to service providers. ACSA assured that it could pay all its debts, “as and when they arise”. It also highlighted that its 2023/24 financial statements had been independently audited by the Auditor General of South Africa.