LATAM Airlines Colombia Grapples with Fuel Shortage Amid National Crisis
LATAM Airlines Colombia is facing a significant disruption in its operations due to an aviation fuel shortage that has impacted several key airports, including Leticia (LET), Montería (MTR), Palonegro (BGA), and El Dorado (BOG). This crisis began on August 16, 2024, following a power outage at Cartagena Refinery, Colombia’s primary oil refinery, managed by Ecopetrol, the country’s leading petroleum company.
The electrical failure at the refinery triggered an 8% deficit in Jet A1 fuel deliveries nationwide. Although Ecopetrol updated its forecast on August 24, 2024, reducing the expected deficit to 5%, the damage was already evident. LET, MTR, and BGA airports completely ran out of fuel, while BOG airport’s supply reached a critically low level. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed the severity of the shortage, emphasizing its impact on air travel across Colombia.
On August 26, 2024, Colombian President Gustavo Petro addressed the issue publicly on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the fuel supply crisis was a result of “irregular activity” and that an investigation was underway to determine the cause.
In response to the crisis, LATAM Airlines Colombia has taken several measures to mitigate the impact on its operations and passengers. The airline has begun refueling international flights outside of Colombia, adjusted its domestic operations, and is closely monitoring fuel consumption at affected airports. LATAM Airlines Colombia is also working in close collaboration with local government institutions and Ecopetrol to manage the situation.
Santiago Álvarez, CEO of LATAM Airlines Colombia, stressed the need for long-term solutions, saying, “It is essential to evaluate structural measures that offer better tools to address contingencies like this, where our passengers would be the most affected.”
The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) has also weighed in, recommending clear fuel allocation strategies, the regulation of Jet A fuel imports, and increased cooperation among suppliers to prevent future shortages.
To address the immediate shortage, Ecopetrol has imported 100,000 barrels of Jet A1 fuel, expected to arrive in Colombia between August 31, 2024, and September 2, 2024. This import is anticipated to alleviate some of the pressure on the affected airports and restore regular operations.
As LATAM Airlines Colombia continues to navigate this challenging situation, the focus remains on minimizing disruptions and ensuring passenger safety and satisfaction. The aviation industry in Colombia is watching closely as the situation develops, hoping for a swift resolution to the fuel crisis.