THE South African Civil Aviation Authority has notified South African pilots that the Graaff-Reinet Airport is currently unable to re-fuel aircraft, and all aircraft in need of fuel are being diverted elsewhere.
Despite pilots having paid cash for all fuel purchases, the Beyers Naudé Local Municipality (BNLM) has not paid providers for aviation fuel since November last year, leaving their account in arrears in excess of R16 000.
Lauren Heany, regional operations manager of East Coast Airways, has confirmed that the BNLM account has been frozen until settled.
BNLM spokesperson, Wilca Smith, has confirmed that the airfield is without fuel.
“Unfortunately the supplier has not been paid and we can no longer procure and collect fuel due to non-payment.
“Also, no time frame can be given as to when the account will be settled,” Smith said.
Having a tarmac runway, the airport used to be set apart from other airports in Karoo towns, and it also used to be equipped with the necessary lighting to facilitate night-time flying. However, due to vandalism and theft, it has become neither safe nor legal to use the airstrip after dark, and should an aircraft need to make an emergency landing at night, Graaff-Reinet Airport would not be able to assist.
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