Airlines flying into Ghana’s primary gateway, Kotoka International Airport, have been advised to arrange fuel supplies in advance as the country grapples with a potential shortfall in aviation fuel, industry officials said.
The advisory, issued to all carriers operating into Accra, follows an indefinite suspension of refueling services by the airport’s two main fuel suppliers—TotalEnergies and Shell—citing supply constraints within the airport’s Joint User Hydrant Installation (JUHI) system. The suspension applies to both scheduled and ad-hoc fuel orders, raising concerns about possible flight delays or cancellations.
“This is a precautionary measure to avoid operational disruptions,” one aviation official familiar with the matter said. “Airlines are expected to coordinate with their fuel handlers prior to landing.”
The situation, first reported by Citi News, stems from logistical bottlenecks among JUHI operators. While no specific cause has been made public, such constraints are not uncommon in West Africa, where currency volatility and shipping delays can impact fuel imports and distribution.
Kotoka International Airport’s management has yet to issue a formal statement or provide clarity on contingency plans. Meanwhile, Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA), which regulates downstream petroleum activities, is said to be engaging stakeholders in an effort to stabilize fuel supply at the airport and prevent further escalation.
Airlines, particularly international carriers with tight turnaround schedules, could face added costs or rerouting challenges if the shortage persists. In recent years, fuel availability has become a growing concern across African aviation markets, where infrastructure and import reliance remain vulnerable to disruption.
