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A technical failure in the refuelling system at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday, December 9, 2024, led to significant disruption, affecting over 49,000 passengers and 483 flights. The fault, caused by a sheared drive shaft in the refuelling system, prevented the pumping of jet fuel from storage tanks to the aircraft aprons, disrupting flight operations from just after 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed that smooth operations had resumed by the afternoon and expressed sincere apologies to passengers and stakeholders for the inconvenience caused by the delays.
The breakdown directly impacted approximately 177 flights and 22,073 passengers between 9:05 AM and 1:01 PM, with delays continuing to ripple through the airport until 11:00 PM. The knock-on effects meant that the airport had to clear a substantial backlog, with 31 flights ultimately being cancelled for the day. ACSA reported that nearly a third of the scheduled flights and half of the expected daily passengers were affected by the technical issue. ACSA also revealed that typically, around 1,500 flights and 110,000 passengers are processed daily through the airport, highlighting the scale of the disruption.
ACSA explained that the issue was due to a failure of the drive shaft, which prevents the pumping of fuel to aircraft for refuelling. This malfunction caused an immediate halt to refuelling operations, with the airport’s technical team working to repair the system in compliance with strict safety protocols. As part of the repair, the system was depressurised, drained, and purged before being restored to its normal operating capacity. The repairs were completed, and operations resumed once the system was brought back online.
To prevent future issues, ACSA outlined plans to replace an emergency valve to ensure continued reliability of the refuelling system. The airport’s fuel infrastructure is undergoing extensive upgrades, with a capital programme valued at approximately R1.5 billion. These projects are designed to refurbish and expand the capacity of the fuel infrastructure, with several stages of the work already underway. ACSA assured the public that these improvements would reduce the likelihood of similar disruptions in the future.
The recent fuel system failure was not the first incident of its kind. ACSA recalled a similar issue that occurred 24 months ago, when the main fuel valve failed. Following that incident, the valve was replaced, and normal operations were restored. The lessons learned from both incidents have led ACSA to recognize the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the entire fuel system to ensure greater reliability and efficiency moving forward.
Despite the technical challenges, ACSA has thanked the public for their patience and understanding during the disruption. The company continues to prioritize safety and efficiency in its operations, and the ongoing upgrades to the airport’s infrastructure are expected to enhance its ability to handle future passenger volumes and prevent similar operational setbacks.
