City Press newspaper reports that the Russian Antonov AN-124 that was denied fuel at OR Tambo international Airport flew to Maputo, Mozambique, using its last remaining fuel on Monday.

The newspaper reports that the plane used the shortest possible route and landed with the use of only two engines to save fuel.

The crew and Russian embassy in South Africa reportedly tried every option to obtain fuel in South Africa, including begging the South African government, without success.

Maputo Airport is supplied with fuel by a Chinese company.

There was speculation that the plane which landed as a commercial flight, was carrying weapons, as its cargo was not disclosed.

Please read the full story in today’s City Press newspaper – 24 July 2022.