Namibia visitors from Europe are now making a stopover in Luanda on their return non-stop flights. The reason: A shortage of jet fuel at Hosea Kutako International Airport east of Windhoek.
The company Vivo Energy Namibia confirmed the fuel shortage, as reported by radio station Kosmos 94.1 also on Facebook. According to Vivo spokesperson Lazarus Nafidi, they had to return a shipment of jet fuel due to unmet quality standards.
Previously, Lufthansa Cargo in Windhoek announced that no cargo could currently be transported due to the shortage. This was expected to last until August 23 (see also the post by Kosmos 94.1 on X).
Passenger flights will continue, but will have to make refuelling stops as needed. This applies particularly to non-stop flights to Europe. A stop in Luanda is a convenient option along this route.
The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) assured that it is doing everything possible to minimize the impact of the shortage. It was working with all parties involved on a coordinated solution (see also the report in The Namibian).
The travel industry viewed the decision to return the jet fuel shipment due to quality issues as a positive development. The incident would demonstrate adherence to international standards and the priority given to passenger safety.
Jet fuel shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) near Windhoek. The reason: The supplier, Vivo Energy Namibia, returned a shipment due to poor quality. Photo (June 2025, for illustration purposes only): Sven-Eric Stender
.png?width=82&height=85&name=Navigate%20Namibia-03%20(1).png "Navigate Namibia")
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