Contaminated fuel worsens Nadi Airport supply shortage

By Andrew Curran.

An excessive electrical charge that has contaminated a batch of fuel at Nadi Airport has placed further pressure on already low fuel supplies at Fiji’s busiest airport, forcing some carriers to reroute flights and carry extra fuel.

News broke late last week of the contamination issue, which has impacted at least four major airlines, including Fiji Airways, Air New Zealand, Qantas and Virgin Australia, and forced the Fiji Government to release 1.3 million litres of uncontaminated aviation fuel from its already low fuel reserves.

“Jet A-1 fuel (is at) critical level,” an August 19 issued NOTAM reads about Nadi Airport. “All flight operators excluding Fiji Airways and Petro Oceania contracted customers must tanker fuel in. Non-scheduled flights must uplift (fuel) at alternative airports. Medivac flights exempt. Resupply ops in progress.”

Fiji Airways, the biggest operator at Nadi Airport (NAN), cites “a minor, temporary jet fuel supply constraint” following a “recent delivery from one of the airline's suppliers that cannot presently be used”. Several companies supply fuel to Nadi Airport.

“Fiji Airways is working closely with relevant government agencies, Fiji Airports Limited and industry partners to ensure operations continue smoothly, with all fuel subject to Fiji Airways’ rigorous testing and clearance requirements before use,” the airline advises./

Cause of Nadi fuel contamination remains unconfirmed

What caused the fuel contamination remains unconfirmed, but a former refueller told a local aviation forum that friction caused from fuel moving about, which can occur during tanker or drum transport, can result in a static charge building up.

Usually, tankers and aircraft are properly earthed during the refuelling process to avoid static charges and discharges which could potentially see fuel vapours ignite when refuelling an aircraft.

But if the fuel has not been properly earthed at certain points during its transportation and handling, this may result in a static charge building up and exceeding safe limits when refuelling.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which broke the contamination story, cites pilots saying they’re required to carry an extra 20 tonnes of fuel to make it to Fiji and back without refuelling. Internal airline correspondence describes the situation as a “major contamination” that may continue to complicate flights until the end of August.

Airlines respond to Nadi fuel challenge

Qantas, which flies to Nadi from Sydney (SYD), deployed an A330-300 onto the route for three days rather than the usual B737-800, allowing the airline to operate the return service without refuelling in Fiji. On August 22, it switched back to B737-800s.

Air New Zealand, which flies to Nadi from Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG) and Christchurch (CHC), is carrying extra fuel on its narrowbody flights to Fiji. The airline has also swapped some of those narrowbody aircraft for widebody aircraft and has cancelled at least one flight.

“We're working closely with Nadi Airport and our fuel supply partners to understand the challenges affecting jet fuel availability and any potential impact on our operations,” an Air New Zealand statement reads.

Virgin Australia, which flies to Nadi from Sydney, Melbourne (MEL) and Brisbane (BNE), also cancelled some flights and diverted others, including to Nouméa, to refuel. Some Australia - Fiji flights operated by Jetstar have rerouted via Auckland.

Fiji Government says Nadi is operating normally, but bring more fuel

The Fiji Government, which owns and operates Nadi Airport via Airports Fiji Limited, says Nadi remains fully operational.

“There are no airport infrastructure, operational or aviation safety issues arising from the fuel supply situation, and the airport continues to operate normally,” an August 21 government statement reads. “Fuel availability, however, remains restricted and the additional stock should not be interpreted as a return to unrestricted supply.”

Nadi Airport has been issuing NOTAMs about fuel shortages since July.

“Current restrictions will remain in place pending the arrival of the next fuel shipment, which is expected to replenish stocks and improve supply levels. Until the next shipment arrives, available fuel will continue to be distributed on a controlled basis to ensure reserves are managed efficiently and responsibly.”

Photo: AI-Generated.
Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com