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Acsa Scrambles to Fix Fuel and Power Infrastructure at OR Tambo and Cape Town Airports

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) is racing to resolve critical refuelling and power infrastructure issues at OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport after mounting pressure from the aviation industry.
The intervention follows serious concerns raised by the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), which slammed the state of South Africa’s aviation infrastructure. AASA highlighted ongoing fuel supply disruptions, unreliable electrical systems, and a lack of contingency planning, all of which have hindered airline operations during peak travel periods.
Aviation Industry Sounds the Alarm
AASA CEO Aaron Munetsi accused Acsa of failing to deliver the services airlines and passengers pay for through statutory charges.
“Airlines are bearing the brunt of these failures, scrambling to meet commitments to their customers while still paying for undelivered services,” Munetsi said.
Acsa acknowledged the refueling system failures at OR Tambo International Airport, particularly a valve malfunction in December 2024 that disrupted fuel flow. A temporary bypass installation is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2025.
To prevent future disruptions, Acsa is set to replace the 20-inch Jet A1 fuel feeder pipeline, a crucial connection between fuel storage depots and aircraft aprons. Construction will begin in March 2025, with completion expected by March 2026.
Power Failures at Cape Town International Airport
Acsa also responded to power supply concerns at Cape Town International Airport, admitting that a substation failure and generator issues caused outages. Emergency repairs have been completed, and backup power capacity is being expanded to prevent further disruptions.
R21.7 Billion Airport Upgrade Plans
Beyond immediate fixes, Acsa has earmarked R21.7 billion for airport infrastructure upgrades. This includes:
- A new Mid-field Cargo Terminal and six additional bussing gates at OR Tambo
- Expanded retail, lounge areas, and a mezzanine level to improve passenger flow
- A domestic arrivals terminal reconfiguration and a planned runway realignment at Cape Town International Airport
Despite these promises, airlines remain skeptical, warning that without urgent action, passenger frustration and operational disruptions will continue to plague South Africa’s major airports.
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