Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) wants to reassure stakeholders, airlines and the public that Jet fuel stock levels across ACSA’s network of major international and regional airports remains stable. Following the unplanned shutdown of a downstream unit at the Natref refinery, ACSA has instituted active stockmanagement protocols to maintain continuous operational stability across all airport fuel farms.
“South Africa’s aviation network relies heavily on a combination of imported and locally refined fuel, and with comprehensive mitigation plans actively deployed, there is no immediate expectation of flight disruptions,” said Mr Charles Shilowa, Acting Chief Executive Office – Airports Company South Africa. “ACSA, the Board, and Minister Barbara Creecy are monitoring the situation daily to keep operational impact to a minimum.”
O. R. Tambo International Airport’s (ORTIA) current stock cover is maintained at 5 to 6 days, successfully meeting an average demand of 3,850 m3/day. At present, Natref supplies 70% to 80% of ORTIA’s demand with the remaining supply requirements being met via the Multi-Product Pipeline from the coast as well as dedicated rail deliveries.
At Cape Town International Airport, current demand sits at approximately 1,400 m3/day, supported by stock levels of around 4.5 days’ cover with daily replenishments in place. Stock levels are expected to build to approximately 5.5 days’ cover following the return to service of a fuel storage tank from normal planned maintenance on 26 August 2026. Primary supply remains secured through the Astron refinery, which accounts for 70% to 75% of stock, with the remaining 25% to 30% sourced via marine imports stored at the Burgan terminal.
Across the rest of the network, jet fuel stock reserves remain robust. King Shaka International Airport maintains approximately 12 days’ cover of stock. Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, King Phalo, George, Bram Fischer, Kimberley, and Upington airports operate on 100% import-backed supply structures with daily replenishments in place. Stock levels maintained at 6 days’ cover at a minimum.
“To guarantee ongoing fuel security, ACSA enforces rigorous governance controls across all locations. This includes daily stock monitoring, maintaining a minimum baseline of 5 days’ stock at fuel farms, and holding aggregated daily stock records,” added Mr Shilowa. Should it be evident that stock cover at any airport will drop to 3 days, ACSA triggers formal crisis management activities, which include intensifying tracking of replenishments with fuel operators and suppliers, direct engagement with impacted airlines and activating the Fuel Forum run by ACSA.
ACSA is working closely with all relevant stakeholders to manage the situation proactively and to ensure minimal impact on airport operations. Flight schedules across the ACSA network continue to operate as normal.
For more information, please contact: Ofentse Dijoe ACSA Group Spokesperson Mobile: 0727988486 Email: Mediadesk@airports.co.za