Refueling issue at Australia's Perth Airport leaves thousands stranded

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA(AA) - A refueling issue at Australia's Perth Airport grounded dozens of domestic and international flights since late Friday before it was "resolved" Saturday, according to media reports.

At least 70 domestic and international flights were affected, with planes unable to land or depart, leaving thousands of passengers stranded, said the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation.

Passengers were stranded at airports nationwide and at some international destinations, including Doha, waiting to get to Perth.

Airport authorities said a problem with load pressure in fuel lines caused the issue, which has since been fixed.

Airport CEO Jason Waters said the system has been repaired and tested.

Waters said the airport would be working with airlines to resume normal operations as soon as possible as he apologized to affected travelers.

At least four flights were diverted to regional airports including a Philippines Airlines flight from Manila to Perth that landed in Geraldton earlier Saturday.

Geraldton is about 420 kilometers (261 miles) north of Perth.