The Democratic Alliance (DA) says the collapse of fuel supplies at OR Tambo International Airport, which took place on Monday, is a threat to the image and brand of South Africa’s air travel industry.
It characterised the problem “as a serious and calamitous failure, risking tourism and investor confidence” in the country.
Dr Chris Hunsinger, DA Member of Parliament (MP) and Spokesperson on Transport, called for a full-scale investigation by the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy into the root cause of the issue.
“The stakes are too high for this to be ignored, or go through a low-level, low-impact investigation,” said the DA MP.
The refuelling crisis caused widespread flight delays and cancellations. It stems from a failure in the airport’s main fuel valve, marking the second such incident since December 2022.
“After stories this weekend that The Airports Company of South Africa is facing severe financial issues, including risks of bankruptcy, the state of essential facilities at key airports, like this, is now seriously in question.
“Hard questions must be asked of the most senior managers and technicians at OR Tambo International Airport, the Airports Company of South Africa, and the fuel providers,” Hunsinger said.
He pointed out that the OR Tambo International Airport is the gateway to the economy of South Africa.
“Shutting down the country’s main airport is tantamount to closing our borders to the rest of the world, and this cannot be allowed to happen again, through technical breakdowns or any other cause.”
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