A major refuelling issue has grounded more than a dozen domestic and international flights from Perth Airport, with airlines being advised not to fly into the city.
The online Perth Airport departures board showed a long list of cancelled or significantly delayed flights but as of 9.50am (11.50am AEST), some flights had begun boarding.
A Perth Airport spokesperson confirmed at least nine international flights and five domestic flights had been cancelled so far.
“Perth Airport is experiencing a significant issue with its fuel supply system which is having a major impact on flight operations,” the spokesperson said.
“The issue is causing a lack of pressure in fuel lines and local experts have been working to resolve the issue.”
The issue means aircraft arriving at Perth Airport are unable to be refuelled.
“Further cancellations are expected and in-bound flights which have not already left their departure points will also be impacted,” the spokesperson said.
“Airlines have been advised not to send aircraft to Perth Airport until further notice unless they have sufficient fuel to make a return flight.”
The airport has urged passengers to contact their airlines for updated information.
The spokesperson apologised to customers and their airline partners.
9News confirmed hundreds of travellers had been affected, many of whom have said they wanted to be compensated because the ordeal has cost them thousands of dollars.
A lack of pressure in the fuel system has prevented the aircraft from being refuelled, with operations impacted from the early hours of this morning, WA Today understands.
Perth Airport’s online departure board shows the first flight to be affected was a Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore that was due to depart at 1.10am.
It comes after Perth Airport announced a $5 billion deal with Qantas to upgrade the airport with a new terminal and runway yesterday.
