Russian aircraft stranded in SA because of fuel embargo

International sanctions against Russia are causing a diplomatic headache for SA because a huge Russian-registered Antanov AN124 freightliner is stuck at OR Tambo International Airport without fuel. Rapport reports that the airplane brought ‘government cargo’ to Johannesburg, but has been unable to return for the past week as private companies operating at the government-owned airport refuse to refuel the jet. Acsa operational head Terence Delomoney says there is nothing the state-owned company can do. BP spokesperson Jackie Poole said it is the appointed fuelling company at Acsa airports and will enforce sanctions wherever it operates in the world. The Russian Embassy in Pretoria declined to answer questions about the nature of the cargo. The Antanov crew reportedly considered taking the aircraft to Lanseria Airport which sells its fuel, but the airplane is too large to turn on the runway. They have also considered landing at the Waterkloof Airforce base for refuelling but ministerial approval is required.

Full report in Rapport (subscription needed)