American carrier United Airlines has canceled its scheduled flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Cape Town, South Africa because of a biting fuel shortage at Cape Town International Airport.

Passengers who were booked on the flight received messages on Saturday, October 1 notifying them of the cancellation, as the airline seeks to avoid its plane getting stranded in South Africa.

The messages seen by News24 informed passengers that: "Your flight was canceled because we were unable to fuel your plane."

The airline however noted that the flight's status may change.

In a notice earlier this week, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) told airlines that there may be further delays to the delivery of jet fuel to Cape Town International Airport.

In response, fuel rationing was introduced at the airport, thereby affecting some flight plans.

News24 reported that ship carrying much-needed stock was supposed to arrive a week ago, but it has been delayed due to continued bad weather.

"As the port, we are on high alert and tracking the vessel to ensure all resources are ready to receive it when it arrives. The vessel will be receiving berthing priority and we do not foresee any challenges servicing the vessel when it arrives," Rajesh Dana, port manager of the Cape Town Port told News24 Business.