Travellers departing from Cape Town International Airport can relax following confirmation that the airport’s recent jet-fuel supply scare has been resolved.
Cape Town International Airport/Olga Ernst/Wikimedia Commons
According to The South African, authorities have cleared the issue that temporarily halted the release of Jet A-1 fuel from Burgan Cape Terminal, the main facility responsible for supplying the airport.
The hold was triggered by a SARS audit and compliance checks, which paused fuel distribution and created uncertainty for airlines operating during the busy build-up to Cape Town’s peak holiday season.
Jet fuel distribution restored
During the pause, airlines had to draw from limited contingency reserves and, in some cases, uplift additional fuel at OR Tambo International Airport to avoid schedule disruptions. Aviation bodies warned that a prolonged shortage could have led to delays, weight restrictions, or last-minute flight changes.
Fortunately, these measures were avoided. According to Travel News, the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (Barsa) has confirmed that Burgan Cape Terminal has reopened for jet fuel distribution, restoring the normal flow of fuel into the airport’s system.
Barsa CEO George Mothema expressed gratitude to the Transport Ministry, Airports Company South Africa, Air Traffic and Navigation Services, and the Fuel Industry Association for their coordinated response. Their swift action, he said, ensured operational stability and continuity for airlines.
The resolution comes at a crucial time as Cape Town enters its high-demand summer travel period, when a reliable fuel supply is vital for keeping flights on schedule.
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