Airlines using Auckland Airport cancelled more than 27 domestic and international flights over the weekend due to a shortage of aviation fuel caused by a damaged pipeline.
Refining New Zealand, which owns the Marsden Point fuel refinery is working on repairing a section of its damaged fuel pipeline which runs to Wiri Oil Services Limited in Auckland, which in turn provides airlines with aviation fuel at the airport.
The oil companies are responsible for transporting, storing and supplying fuel for use by airlines at the airport, and as a result of the pipeline damage, they are currently rationing the amount of fuel provided to airlines.
This rationing has led to approximately 27 domestic and international flights being cancelled during the weekend says Auckland Airport.
Auckland Airport Chief Executive Adrian Littlewood says the airport is working with airlines and other stakeholders, including the Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand (BARNZ), to monitor the impact of the temporary disruption of airline operations with a focus on helping passengers manage through this period.
“We will have additional staff in the terminals supporting passengers and addressing any questions or concerns they may have. We strongly recommend that any passengers travelling over the coming days plan and check with their airline for the latest information,” says Littlewood.
