South African travellers flying through Cape Town International Airport can breathe a sigh of relief, now that the airport’s recent jet-fuel supply scare has officially been resolved.
After several days of uncertainty and potential flight disruptions, authorities have confirmed that the issue has been cleared and airlines can once again refuel as normal.
The concern began when Burgan Cape Terminal, the key facility responsible for supplying Jet A-1 fuel to the airport, was temporarily unable to release fuel due to a SARS audit and compliance checks.
Jet fuel supply restored
With stocks effectively paused, airlines were then forced to rely on limited contingency supplies and, in some cases, uplift fuel at OR Tambo International Airport to avoid cancellations.
The situation raised alarm across the aviation sector, especially with Cape Town heading into its peak holiday travel season. Industry groups warned that prolonged fuel constraints could have resulted in delays, aircraft weight restrictions, and even last-minute schedule changes.
Fortunately, the issue has since been resolved before such measures became necessary. The Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (Barsa) has now confirmed, according to Travel News, that Burgan Cape Terminal at Cape Town International Airport has reopened for jet-fuel distribution, restoring fuel flow into the airport’s supply system.
Barsa CEO George Mothema thanked the Transport Ministry, Airports Company South Africa, Air Traffic and Navigation Services, and the Fuel Industry Association for their coordinated response, saying their swift action helped stabilise operations and maintain continuity for airlines.
The timing of the resolution is particularly important: Cape Town’s summer season typically brings a surge in both domestic and international flights, making a stable fuel supply essential for smooth travel.
