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Since this of 21 of March, restricts the distribution of Jet A1 aviation fuel in all Ecuador airports due to production problems and import delays.
Air connectivity in Ecuador enters a critical contingency phase. After the issuance of NOTAM A0817/26, a drastic reduction in the availability of aviation fuel (Jet A-1) at the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (SEGU) from Guayaquil, a measure that extends to the rest of the country's strategic terminals such as Quito, Manta and Cuenca facing widespread shortages.
It is worth indicating that, only these 4 airports in the country have distribution of Jet A1.
Aviation fuel is restricted in Ecuador
Next, the detail of the technical situation for the main national hubs:
- Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca and Manta – NOTAM A0817/26: The notification has made official that the fuel supply is limited to the 50% of its usual capacity due to the shortage. This restriction will be in effect from 21 from March to 28 march 2026. Absolute priority will be given to air ambulance flights (MEDEVAC), State and emergency flights.
A0817/26 NOTAMN
Q)SEFG/QFULT/IV/NBO/A/000/999/0209S07953W005
A)SEGU B)2603211200 C)2603282359
E)JET A-1 FUEL SUPPLY LIMITED TO 50 PERCENT DUE TO SHORTAGE.
PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO MEDEVAC, STATE AND EMERGENCY FLIGHTS.
OTHER OPERATORS MUST PLAN ALTERNATE TANKERING, ON DEPARTURE AIRPORT
OR ALTERNATE
Impact on operations
The limitation of 50% in supply will force airlines to take drastic measures to avoid the cancellation of routes:
- Cargo and passenger restrictions: Not being able to refuel with the fuel necessary for long routes, Aircraft could be forced to take off with less weight (payload), affecting seating availability or cargo transportation.
- Unscheduled technical scales: Flights that are normally direct may require technical stops in neighboring countries to refuel, increasing flight times.
- Risk of cancellations: Operators that fail to secure enough fuel for return could be forced to reschedule or suspend frequencies..
Electric "Refueling": The possible mitigation strategy
The NOTAM is explicit: Operators must plan Tankering strategies. This technique consists of the aircraft loading additional fuel at its airport of origin. (outside Ecuador) or at alternate airports to cover the round trip without having to refuel at restricted terminals.
Although tankering guarantees the operation, implies that the plane flies with a considerable excess weight. This generates a "fuel penalty", since the aircraft consumes more energy to transport that extra weight, raising operating costs and the carbon footprint of the operation.
We will continue to monitor the updating of the NOTAMs and the response of the aeronautical authorities to this logistical emergency..
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