A Russian Cargo plane is stuck at the OR Tambo International Airport after Western fuel suppliers who have contracts to fuel planes at the airport refused to supply the plane with fuel.
The giant Antonov AN124, was supposed to fly back to Russia last week.
It will now likely be fueled at an SA military base (Waterkloof), as the Lanseria Airport which is serviced by private suppliers can not handle the huge plane.
City Press newspaper reports that BP is the controlling supplier at the OR International Airport and cited sanctions on Russia for their decisions not to fuel the Antonov.
The newspaper reported that there are concerns about the contents of the plane as these have not been disclosed.
The plane flew from Moscow to Turkmenistan, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), then Mombasa (Kenya) before landing at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Monday 11 July 2022.
Last week, a Bombardier Global 5000 jet that belongs to former Russian First Lady, Svetlana Medvedeva , had to be refueled at Lanseria Airport after fuel suppliers at Cape Town International Airport refused to fuel it.
South Africa has refused to condemn Russia during its ongoing war in Ukraine and is a partner to the country in BRICS.
There is speculation in intelligence circles that Russia is using South Africa as one of its bases for operations linked to the Ukraine war.
Please read the full story in today’s City Press newspaper – 17 July 2022.
