OR Tambo Jet Fuel Supply Update: What the Natref shutdown means for travellers

UPDATE – 14 September 2026: The jet-fuel supply situation at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg remains stable despite the ongoing Natref refinery disruption. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) says the airport is not currently at risk of a fuel supply disruption, with a mitigation plan in place to cover the shortfall. Additional Jet A-1 imports and alternative supply arrangements are being used to protect supplies. Flights continue to operate normally, and there is currently no indication that travellers need to change their plans. 

UPDATE – 08 September 2026: The anticipated period of reduced jet-fuel availability from the Natref refinery has now begun. This is because the refinery’s repair and recommissioning work is temporarily limiting the amount of locally produced jet fuel available to the market. South Africa's fuel industry has secured additional Jet A-1 imports and is using alternative pipeline, rail and coastal supply arrangements to protect fuel supplies at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) Sasol says the measures put in place at Natref leave a low probability of a jet-fuel shortage. Flights are currently operating normally, and there is no indication that travellers need to change their plans.  

UPDATE – 01 September 2026: Sasol says it has implemented measures to keep the affected unit at its Natref refinery operational until the end of September. The measures are intended to support more stable jet fuel availability and continued supply to key customers, including those at OR Tambo International Airport. Flights are currently operating normally.  

Travellers flying to, from or through Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) may want to keep an eye on an unplanned shutdown at Sasol's National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref) Refinery.

The shutdown has affected Sasol's ability to fully meet some of its fuel supply commitments, including Jet A-1 fuel supplied to customers at OR Tambo. For now, however, flights are operating normally and there is no indication that travellers need to change their plans.

OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is South Africa's busiest airport and a major gateway for international tourists travelling onwards to destinations such as Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Durban and elsewhere in Southern Africa. A prolonged disruption could put additional pressure on airline operations and connecting flights.

At present, travellers should not expect widespread flight cancellations because of the Natref shutdown. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) says flights are operating normally, while airlines are using contingency measures to protect their schedules.

Travellers flying through OR Tambo should continue checking their airline's latest flight information before departure. The situation is nevertheless worth monitoring, particularly if the disruption continues for an extended period.

Bottom line

The Natref disruption is continuing during the period when reduced local jet-fuel production was expected to put pressure on supplies, but OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg is currently not considered at risk of a fuel supply disruption. Additional Jet A-1 imports and alternative supply arrangements are helping to cover the shortfall.

For travellers, the situation is therefore one to monitor rather than a reason to change travel plans. Flights are operating normally, but passengers travelling through OR Tambo should continue checking their airline's flight information before departure.

 

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