Chaos is continuing to plague travellers at Perth Airport as nearly 60 flights have been cancelled due to a significant fuel supply issue.
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Travellers heading to or departing the main West Australian airport have been left in limbo due to a fuel load pressure issue in the supply system, meaning planes cannot be refuelled.
"Perth Airport is experiencing a significant issue with its fuel supply system which is having a major impact on flight operations," a spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday.
"The issue has resulted in a loss of pressure in the refuelling system."
In an update on Saturday afternoon, the spokesperson said the refuelling issue is ongoing.
"We have external experts working on potential solutions and we are exploring every option to resolve the issue as quickly as possible," the spokesperson said.
So far, 59 domestic and international flights have been cancelled with no sign of aircraft leaving the airport any time soon while the issue is still being resolved.
Some of the cancelled flights include departures to Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Kuala Lumpur and Bali, and arrivals from the same locations.
"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 spokesperson said.
The Perth Airport website shows dozens of delayed international and domestic flights.
Some flights have been diverted to other airports including a plane travelling from London which will now land in Karratha in Western Australia's north.
Qantas issued an update for its travellers explaining there is no fuel for any available aircraft at the airport.
"We're in constant contact with Perth Airport for updates and are working hard to find an interim solution to get customers on their way as quickly as possible," the airline said in a statement.
Affected customers are being contacted directly and warned to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.
The airport spokesperson apologised to travellers and to airlines for the significant impact.
"We understand that this has been a difficult and frustrating morning for passengers and our airline partners," the spokesperson said.
Federal minister Matt Keogh expressed his frustration for passengers, saying it is a "highly stressful" situation.
"I feel for the passengers firstly, because whenever one is caught up with chaos at an airport, it's highly stressful," he told reporters on Saturday.
"I understand that Perth airport is working with its partners to make sure that this issue is resolved as quickly as possible."
Passengers departing from Perth on Saturday are urged to contact their airline for more information about their flights.
Australian Associated Press
