Refining New Zealand, which owns the Marsden Point fuel refinery, has advised Auckland Airport that it is working on repairing a section of its damaged fuel pipeline which connects the refinery in Marsden Point to Wiri Oil Services Limited in Auckland, which in turns supplies airlines with aviation fuel at the airport.
The temporary shortage of fuel has resulted in 27 domestic and international flights being cancelled so far.
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, the oil companies are currently rationing the amount of fuel they are supplying to airlines.
Adrian Littlewood, Auckland Airport’s chief executive, said, “The airport is working closely with airlines and other airport stakeholders, including the Board of Airlines Representatives New Zealand (BARNZ), to monitor the impact of the temporary disruption on airlines and their operations with a particular focus on helping passengers manage through this period of disruption.
“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 (from September 17) plan ahead and check with their airline for the latest information.”
