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Fuel shortage at Melbourne Airport could force flight delays

Friday, 25 Nov 2016 08:14:09 | Sam Clark

Melbourne Airport, where the forecourt (pictured) will be undergoing redevelopment. (Supplied: Melbourne Airport)

A major fuel shortage at Melbourne Airport could cause flight delays and force some international flights to divert and re-fuel.

The ABC has been told that less than 2 million litres of aviation fuel is available at the country's second busiest airport after a shipment of fuel failed quality controls following its arrival by ship in Melbourne.

An A380 can require more than 300,000 litres of fuel for a long-haul flight.

The incident is believed to be far more severe than two fuel shortages last year that forced airlines to ration fuel when flying and has raised serious questions about the reliability of Australia's fuel supply system.

A decade ago seven fuel refineries operated in Australia, but that number fell to four last year following several closures in Sydney and Brisbane.

Two refineries still operate in Victoria and provide much of Melbourne Airport's requirements, but imports from Asia are needed to meet extra demand.

Do you know more about this story? Email investigations@abc.net.au

Barry Abrams, executive director of the Board of Airline Representatives of Australia, said the fuel shortage was particularly troubling for international airlines and was likely to cause problems from as early as this afternoon.

"International airlines were last night advised that due to shortages in the supply of jet fuel to the airport, the National Operating Committee on Jet Fuel Supply Assurance changed the fuel supply status in Melbourne to a 'black traffic light' and immediate and deep fuel rationing," Mr Abrams said.

The fuel shortage could force international flights to stop en route to their destination to refuel.

Travellers told to contact airlines for flight information

Domestic flights operating into Melbourne will need to carry more fuel than normal to prevent Melbourne Airport's supplies being exhausted.

A spokesperson for Qantas said the fuel shortage was not impacting its domestic services and its flights to Hong Kong and Singapore would stop in Sydney to refuel.

A spokesperson for Melbourne Airport said in a statement the airport was working closely with airlines to manage the shortage.

"Melbourne Airport understands that airlines are managing potential impacts and that there has been limited impact on airline schedules at this stage," the spokesperson said.

"Melbourne Airport recommends travellers contact their airline for the most up-to-date information about flights today."

AustraliaPlus


 

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