I don’t often like to share main news articles because the accuracy can be way off and exaggerated. However, this is a story that makes you go WTF.

So apparently Melbourne Airport has a fuel shortage, and they have been rationing it between flights since yesterday and it’s gotten that bad that flights are having to divert.

Per Nine News,

Matt Smith, a chief tech officer at Software AG, says Cathay Pacific staff had told passengers at Melbourne Airport that all long-haul flights from Melbourne would be sent via other Australian cities, which would add an hour and a half to their journey.

“Meaning if you connect (like me in Hong Kong) and have two hours or less – they are telling you there is no way you’ll make it,” Mr. Smith told AAP via Twitter.

Also per Cathay Pacific,

Due to the local fuel provider experiencing a supply issue, an additional technical stop for refueling will be required on flights departing from Melbourne to Hong Kong, as detailed below:

25 November
CX134 from Melbourne to Hong Kong
Technical stop in Cairns, CNS. Arrival delay of approximately 1hr 55mins.

CX104 from Melbourne to Hong Kong
Technical stop in Adelaide, ADL. Arrival delay of approximately 1hr 35mins.

26 November
CX134 from Melbourne to Hong Kong
Technical stop in Adelaide, ADL. Arrival delay of approximately 1hr 45mins.

CX104 from Melbourne to Hong Kong
Technical stop in Adelaide, ADL. Arrival delay of approximately 1hr 40mins.

I have never heard of an airport running out of fuel, and it seems very strange. The article also states that domestic operations haven’t been affected, so why are just the international ones being diverted?

Bottom Line

The whole situation is quite strange and also very intriguing. I’d say a few people will be in a lot of trouble and could lose their job.