Fuel problem hits Manchester airport passengers
Fears that a fuel supply problem would hit the travel plans of thousands of air passengers have eased after Manchester airport reports that stocks are being replenished.
The airport had said on Wednesday afternoon that some airlines may not be able to refuel there, and that some might decide to cancel, divert or delay some flights from 6pm today into tomorrow morning.
But on Wednesday evening it said said that disruption has been kept at a minimum and so far no flights have been cancelled or diverted.
The airport’s fuel supply comes from the Essar refinery near Ellesmere Port on Merseyside via a pipeline.
The refinery has confirmed that fuel supply stocks to Manchester Airport are now being replenished and will be restored by Thursday morning.
But the airport told passangers travelling this evening that they are still advised to check their flight status with their airline before coming to the airport.
The airport uses around three million litres of aviation fuel per day. This is the equivalent of 79 road tankers which carry approximately 38,000 litres per vehicle.
The fuel supply comes from the refinery via a pipeline which is capable of pumping 250,000 litres an hour.
The fuel storage centre at Manchester Airport is operated by MASHCo – a joint venture between Exxon Mobil, Shell, BP and Q8.
The oil companies are contracted directly directly by airlines to supply aircraft fuel via MASHCo.