George Herald yesterday learnt that George Airport has run out of aviation gas (avgas).

Glenn van Heerden, a private light aircraft owner who has a hangar in the general aviation area, says they have to fly to Mossel Bay for refuelling.

“When light aircraft from Namibia or other parts of South Africa land here and they cannot refuel, they will be stranded. Also, businesses in the general aviation area are dependent on supply. Flight training is done from the airport,” says Van Heerden.

Jabiru, manufacturer of civil light aircraft and also an aircraft servicing centre, says they are not affected at the moment as private plane owners who visit their premises bring along their own fuel.

PetroSA has stepped in as fuel supplier after BP’s withdrawal from South African airports, effective from May 1.

George Herald is awaiting comment from the airport, Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) and PetroSA.

Acsa’s communications department has indicated that BP is still in charge of managing the supply of avgas at George Airport. George Herald sent an enquiry to BP and is awaiting their comment.