FlySafair has confirmed disruptions to jet fuel supplies at OR Tambo International Airport this week, following challenges linked to maintenance and an unplanned shutdown at the Natref refinery.
The airline said several factors have affected the expected supply of jet fuel at the airport, with fuel suppliers facing disruptions.
The development follows planned maintenance at the Natref refinery. Sasol has also confirmed that the refinery experienced an unplanned shutdown of a downstream unit, affecting its ability to meet its full supply commitments for certain fuel grades.
FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gordon said the airline's operations are currently protected by contingency measures put in place to manage the disruption.
“There have been some disruptions to the expected jet fuel supply dynamics at OR Tambo this week, with a number of factors coming into play affecting the various suppliers,” Gordon said.
He said FlySafair had temporarily increased its supply from suppliers with fuel available to ensure that flights could continue operating.
“For now, FlySafair operations are completely protected by contingencies that we’ve put in place to temporarily increase supply from those suppliers with available fuel,” Gordon said.
The airline said it would continue monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant stakeholders as developments unfold.
While FlySafair's services remain protected for now, the airline has warned that it is closely monitoring fuel availability at OR Tambo amid the ongoing supply challenges.