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

European Aviation Sector Alarms Over Potential Fuel Crisis Amid Hormuz Closure

The Airports Council International (ACI) Europe has issued a warning that Europe could face a significant jet fuel shortage within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. The Persian Gulf is a vital supplier of aviation fuel, providing approximately half of Europe’s total imports. As the summer travel season approaches, concerns over fuel availability are intensifying, with smaller airports particularly at risk.

ACI Europe’s director-general, Olivier Jankovec, highlighted the urgency of the situation in a letter to the European commissioners for energy and tourism. He wrote:

“A fuel shortage could significantly disrupt airport functions and air travel networks, risking severe economic consequences for both local populations and the broader European region.”

The letter, dated 9 April and first reported by the Financial Times, emphasized that without a major and stable reopening of the Strait, the EU may experience systemic jet fuel shortages.

Last week, the European jet fuel price benchmark reached a record high of $1,838 per tonne, compared to $831 per tonne before the conflict began. Several airlines globally have already adjusted schedules and raised passenger fees due to fears of supply constraints. Jankovec stressed that the current situation demands immediate action, stating:

“Dependence on market mechanisms and adjustments alone is insufficient.”

The trade body criticized the absence of a unified EU assessment and monitoring system for jet fuel production and availability. To mitigate the crisis, ACI Europe proposed collective fuel purchases and temporary relaxation of import restrictions. It also called for bolstering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and affordability, noting that conventional fuel prices are expected to stay elevated in the medium to long term.

Jankovec added that airports serving fewer than a million passengers annually are already struggling with financial stability, even before considering the impact of fuel shortages. He warned that the ongoing crisis could weaken the resilience of these facilities, endangering local communities and possibly undermining European unity. The aviation sector contributes €851bn (£741bn) to Europe’s GDP annually and supports 14 million jobs.