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.
The bottom line
The Natref shutdown has affected jet fuel supply to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), but flights are currently operating normally. There is no immediate reason to cancel or change travel plans, although a prolonged disruption could create challenges for one of Southern Africa's most important aviation hubs.
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