In early January, a fire at a refinery in South Africa has led to a meaningful kerosene shortage at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, impacting flight schedules for several airlines. The incident occurred on January 4 at the Natref refinery in Sasolburg,which is located south of johannesburg. this facility is the only domestic plant responsible for refining crude oil, and its partial shutdown has resulted in a gradual depletion of essential fuels, including unleaded petrol, diesel, and kerosene. The damaged distillation unit is not expected to be operational until February 21.
The fire has created a ripple effect on fuel supply, prompting airlines to adjust their operations to cope with the kerosene shortage. Despite swift actions taken by the involved companies to mitigate the impact, the measures have proven insufficient to meet the full demand for fuel at the airport. Consequently, some airlines are now implementing stopovers for flights returning from Johannesburg.
swiss Airlines Implements Windhoek Stopover
Swiss Airlines is one of the carriers affected by this situation. The airline operates flights between Zurich and johannesburg using Airbus A340 aircraft. To manage the kerosene shortage, Swiss has announced that it will conduct flights from Johannesburg to zurich with a stopover in Windhoek, Namibia, until January 23. A spokesperson for the airline stated, “To continue operating flights between Johannesburg and Zurich, we are currently planning a stop in Windhoek for refueling.” This measure began on January 18 and will remain in effect indefinitely. Passengers should expect potential delays upon arrival in Zurich, and the airline has expressed regret for any inconveniences caused.
Lufthansa Adjusts Flights with Durban Refueling
Similarly, Lufthansa has revised its flight schedule in response to the kerosene shortage. The airline’s Boeing 747-8 will now make a refueling stop in Durban on its return journey from johannesburg to Frankfurt. Confirming the adjustments, a Lufthansa representative noted that this change is also due to the ongoing fuel supply issues. The refueling in Durban is expected to continue until January 22 for return flights from Johannesburg.
As the situation develops, travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight statuses and any potential changes to their itineraries.
Q&A: Understanding the Jet Fuel Shortage at O.R. Tambo International Airport
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us to discuss the recent jet fuel shortage impacting flights at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport. Wiht us is aviation expert Dr. Samuel Nkosi. Dr. Nkosi, can you explain what led to this kerosene shortage?
Dr. Nkosi: Certainly. The kerosene shortage at O.R. Tambo International Airport originated from a fire at the Natref refinery, which occurred on January 4, 2025.This facility is the only domestic plant responsible for refining crude oil in south Africa. The fire has resulted in a partial shutdown of operations, leading to a notable reduction in the production of essential fuels, including kerosene, unleaded petrol, and diesel. Unfortunately, the damaged distillation unit is not slated to be operational until February 21, which significantly compounds the issue.
Editor: How has this situation affected airlines?
Dr. Nkosi: The impact has been substantial. Airlines have had to adjust their operational strategies to cope with the kerosene shortage. With limited fuel availability, some airlines are implementing stopovers for refueling en route to their destinations. As an example, Swiss Airlines has begun routing flights from Johannesburg to Zurich through Windhoek, Namibia, for refueling, which started on January 18. They anticipate that this measure will be in place until January 23.Similarly, Lufthansa has adjusted its flights to make a refueling stop in Durban for return flights from Johannesburg to Frankfurt, continuing until January 22.
Editor: what should travelers know during this period of disruption?
Dr. Nkosi: Travelers should stay informed about their flight statuses and anticipate potential delays. Airlines are doing their best to communicate changes, but it’s crucial for passengers to check in ahead of their flights and prepare for adjusted itineraries. Additionally,travelers should consider the possibility of extended travel times due to these stopovers.
Editor: Are there any mitigation efforts from authorities or related companies?
Dr.Nkosi: Yes, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is actively working to secure additional jet fuel supplies and mitigate the impact of this shortage. they have communicated that they are collaborating with various stakeholders to address the situation.Though, the immediate measures taken have not fully met the demand for fuel at O.R. Tambo, leading to the continued operational adjustments by airlines.
Editor: Looking ahead, what are the implications of this incident for the aviation industry in South Africa?
Dr. Nkosi: This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in supply chains within the aviation industry. The reliance on a single domestic refinery for essential fuels poses a significant risk. It also underscores the importance of having contingency plans in place for fuel supply disruptions to prevent operational challenges. As the industry rebounds,airlines may need to evaluate their logistics and supply strategies to ensure more resilient operations in the future.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Nkosi,for your insights on this critical issue affecting air travel in Johannesburg.
Dr. Nkosi: My pleasure. Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we keep the public informed during these trying times.
