Delays Expected For Inbound/Outbound Flights

Manchester airport, the third busiest airport in the UK is facing a crisis from temporarily running out of jet fuel. Flights to and from the airport are expected to be delayed, especially those flying to long-haul destinations. The issue is with fuel supplies from the Stanlow refinery, which were disrupted due to concerns about quality.

The facility, which is run by Essar Energy, has a direct pipeline to the airport than can pump 66,000 gallons (U.S.) per hour. The airport uses about 793 thouand gallons (U.S.) of fuel daily, and replenishment via pipeline takes eight hours. Tanker trucks carry 10,000 U.S. gallons which would mean a convoy of 79 vehicles to bring in enough fuel for one day's operations.

The newspaper The Guardian reports that airport management is hoping the issue will be solved by midnight Wednesday but the ripple effect will continue into Thursday. Airlines are being told to carry additional fuel so they can complete the second leg of their trip without interruption.

A spokesman from the airport said "The airline fuel supply companies operating at Manchester airport are experiencing temporary problems with their supply of aviation fuel from Essar refinery. Whilst a stock of aviation fuel is stored on site, as a precaution, airlines have been advised to carry additional fuel wherever possible. Although this is a short-term problem, until it is resolved, airlines might not be able to refuel aircraft at Manchester airport, which is why contingency plans have been put in place."

Experts from the fuel companies, the airport and airlines are working to minimize impact to travelers. The airport apologized for disruption and has assured its airline customers that all that is possible is being done to restore normal operations. It is the first instance of Manchester airport running out of fuel in its history.

FMI: www.caa.co.uk