EU airline industry warns of fuel shortages if Strait of Hormuz stays closed
EU Aviation Sector Alarms Over Potential Fuel Crisis
The European aviation industry has raised alarms about an imminent jet fuel shortage, warning that operations could falter within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. This critical waterway, which serves as a vital artery for global oil transport, is central to Europe’s fuel supply chain, with the Persian Gulf contributing roughly half of all aviation fuel imports.
Summer Travel Season Adds Pressure
As the summer tourism season approaches, concerns over fuel availability have intensified. The Airports Council International (ACI) Europe highlights that smaller airports face heightened risks, potentially jeopardizing regional connectivity. In a letter dated 9 April, ACI Europe’s director-general Olivier Jankovec stressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that without a swift resolution, the EU could experience a systemic fuel shortage.
“A supply disruption would gravely impact airport functionality and air travel networks, risking severe economic consequences for both local areas and the continent as a whole,” Jankovec wrote to the European Commission’s energy and tourism officials.
Global Airlines Adjust Strategies
Several international airlines have already taken measures in response to the looming crisis, reducing flight schedules and imposing higher passenger fees. The European jet fuel price benchmark recently reached a record high of $1,838 per tonne, compared to $831 prior to the conflict in the region. Jankovec argued that market forces alone cannot resolve the issue, calling for immediate EU action.
He pointed out the absence of a coordinated assessment across the bloc for fuel production and distribution. ACI Europe proposed collective fuel procurement and the temporary easing of import regulations to mitigate the shortage. The letter, initially shared by the Financial Times, also urged bolstering support for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to ensure long-term affordability.
Economic Consequences of the Crisis
Air travel sustains €851bn in annual GDP for Europe and supports 14 million jobs. Jankovec noted that even without fuel shortages, smaller airports are already facing viability challenges. The current situation could further weaken these facilities, endangering local communities and straining European unity.
Without addressing the fuel crisis, he warned, the EU risks a cascade of disruptions that could compromise both economic stability and air connectivity. The call for intervention underscores the sector’s reliance on timely policy responses to avert a deeper downturn.
