EU airline industry warns of fuel shortages if Strait of Hormuz stays closed

EU Airline Industry Warns of Fuel Shortages if Hormuz Closure Continues

Fuel Supply Crisis Looms

The European airports trade group has issued a warning that a critical shortage of jet fuel could emerge within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains shut. This vital waterway serves as a primary conduit for aviation fuel imports, with nearly half of Europe’s fuel supplies sourced from the region.

ACI Europe highlighted growing anxieties among its members regarding fuel availability, especially as the summer travel season approaches. The group emphasized that smaller airports are at greater risk, citing potential operational disruptions and economic fallout across the continent.

“Should the passage through the Strait of Hormuz not resume significantly within the next three weeks, the EU could face a system-wide fuel scarcity,” stated Olivier Jankovec, ACI Europe’s director-general, in a letter addressed to European commissioners for energy and tourism. “This situation could threaten both air connectivity and the stability of local communities.”

Price Surges and Operational Challenges

Global airlines have already begun reducing flights and increasing passenger fees in response to fears of fuel shortages. The European benchmark for jet fuel reached an unprecedented level last week, soaring to $1,838 per tonne—compared to $831 prior to the conflict in the region.

Jankovec argued that relying solely on market dynamics is insufficient, stressing the need for urgent EU action. He pointed out the absence of a coordinated assessment of fuel production and supply chains, suggesting that collective purchasing strategies should be prioritized to stabilize prices.

The letter, dated 9 April and initially reported by the Financial Times, also called for temporary easing of import regulations. It noted that the cost of traditional jet fuel is expected to remain elevated for an extended period, urging the EU to invest in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to bolster long-term affordability.

Jankovec warned that smaller airports, already grappling with financial strain, might face even greater challenges without a reliable fuel supply. He linked the crisis to broader risks of eroding European economic unity and threatening regional cohesion.

Air travel generates €851bn annually for European economies and sustains 14 million jobs, underscoring the urgency of addressing the potential fuel shortage before it impacts the sector’s viability.