Bolivia's airports face delays as blockades limit jet fuel

Blockades disrupting road transport in Bolivia have curtailed the regular supply of jet fuel to El Alto International Airport. Airlines now have to load enough fuel for both the outbound and return legs of a flight, increasing aircraft weight. The added weight, combined with a surge in cargo – the volume of air‑freighted goods rose from roughly 300 tonnes to about 1,600 tonnes per month as food is shifted from road to air – places greater strain on braking systems at high‑altitude airports. These operational changes extend turnaround times and cause cumulative delays throughout the day, affecting up to 14 flights per aircraft.

The Bolivian Transport Authority (ATT) said the measures are necessary for safety while the logistical constraints caused by the blockades persist, acknowledging the inconvenience to passengers but stressing that the extra fuel and cargo load are unavoidable under current conditions.