The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced a series of measures to address refueling and power infrastructure challenges at OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. This follows concerns raised by the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) over ongoing disruptions affecting airline operations.
Industry Concerns Over Infrastructure Issues
AASA recently expressed frustration regarding disruptions at South Africa’s key international airports, citing issues related to:
- The reliability of refueling infrastructure
- Electrical power supply and redundancy systems
- The security and management of jet fuel supply
AASA CEO Aaron Munetsi noted that airlines and passengers pay statutory user charges for reliable and efficient services. However, continued disruptions have placed additional operational and financial burdens on airlines to ensure that flights remain on schedule.
ACSA’s Immediate and Long-Term Solutions
ACSA has acknowledged these concerns and has launched both short-term and long-term initiatives to stabilize operations at the affected airports.
Refueling Infrastructure Improvements
At OR Tambo International Airport:
- A bypass is being installed around a faulty fuel valve that regulates flow to the apron. This valve failed in December 2024 and has since been replaced. The bypass installation is expected to be completed by February 2025.
- A new 20-inch Jet A1 fuel feeder pipeline will replace the existing underground line that connects the fuel storage depot to aircraft aprons. Construction on this project is set to begin in March 2025 and will be completed by March 2026.
At Cape Town International Airport:
- A power disruption caused by a substation failure and cable faults has been addressed, with primary and secondary power supply restored.
- Emergency cable replacements and an additional backup generator have been installed to improve resilience.
Major Infrastructure Investments for Long-Term Improvements
ACSA has allocated R21.7 billion toward airport development projects aimed at modernizing infrastructure, enhancing efficiency, and improving reliability. These investments will fund refurbishments, increase capacity, and strengthen fuel and power supply systems.
Upgrades at OR Tambo International Airport include:
- The construction of a new Mid-field Cargo Terminal to meet growing cargo demand
- Six new bussing gates to streamline passenger movement
- Expanded retail and lounge areas
- A new mezzanine level to improve passenger flow
At Cape Town International Airport, planned improvements include:
- A reconfiguration of the domestic arrivals terminal
- A realigned runway development project within the next five years
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