South Africa: Flights cancelled at Cape Town International Airport Oct. 2 and 3 due to fuel shortage

Event

United Airlines (UA) canceled two flights at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 after failing to source aviation fuel. The arrival of a shipment of fuel at CPT had been delayed due to rough weather at sea, with officials at the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) stating that the airport had four days of fuel remaining as of Sept. 29. The shipment was due to arrive late Oct. 2 with the fuel ready to use by Oct. 5, although it remains unclear whether it has arrived as scheduled. Officials have begun rationing remaining fuel, with domestic airlines only permitted 50 percent of their usual orders. While no other flights have been canceled to date, delays and cancelations are likely in the coming days, particularly for long-haul flights.

Advice

Confirm flights arriving or departing CPT in the coming days. Do not check out of accommodation without verifying onward travel.