(Posted 09th December 2024)

Airlink, among many many other airline companies, was earlier today hit by a failure of the fueling system at O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg.

Airlink, like all the other airlines, apologised to customers for the inconvenience and disruptions to their flights today caused by the failure of the airport’s refuelling system at O.R. Tambo International Airport this morning.

While the disruptions were beyond the airlines’ control, Airlink and others are doing the best they can to clear the backlog of delayed flights within the constraints of safety regulations such as crew duty limitation.

Importantly, all airlines operating at O. R. Tambo airport are equally affected.

The refuelling system has just been repaired (temporarily) but there will be continued delays with boarding and disembarkation of flights, checked-baggage handling, cleaning and the provisioning of flights.  Airlines affected appeal to their customers for patience while they all to their best to ensure that their flights are operated safely and depart and arrive as on-time as possible under the circumstances. However, the backlog of delayed flights is immense, and it is probable that some flights may be cancelled because of the refuelling system failure.

Safety remains a top priority and Airlink has already said that they will deploy additional aircrew and ground staff so that they are able to dispatch any long-delayed flights as fast as possible without exceeding any flight duty time.

O.R. Tambo International Airport is Airlink’s main base and the main international airport for South Africa and the country’s primary gateway for air transport.

Airlink typically operates 190 flights a day to and from the airport to 45  domestic and regional destinations in Southern and Eastern Africa.

Affected customers, meeters and greeters should check the arrivals and departures boards at the airport.  Updates and travel advice will also be available on www.flyairlink.com , on the Airlink app and on Airlink’s social media channels. Airlink will also issue further updates today on its social media channels and through the news media:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/flyairlink

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/airlink/posts/?feedView=all

X: https://x.com/Fly_Airlink

ATCNews’ partner www.TravelComments.com also commented on the situation in Johannesburg and wrote: