By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Travellers have been hit by major delays at the OR Tambo International Airport due to a fuelling problem at the airport.
One passenger says he sat on a plane, meant to depart a little after 5am for 2 hours, before disembarking.
There was initially little to no communication from airlines and frustrated passengers took to social media.
Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) said the challenge was getting fuel supplies from the storage facility to the main hydrant system.
The technical glitch affected refuelling of aircraft, Acsa said.
“OR Tambo fuel services company used a manual system through fuel browsers to fuel aircraft. Technicians are on site and have resolved the issue.”
Acsa emphasised there is no shortage of fuel but rather a technical problem that will affect domestic and international flights.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said he had been in contact with ACSA management who assured him that there was no fuel shortage at the airport.
There was however a technical issue at the storage which was attended to and management apologises for the inconvenience this has caused.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided.