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

EU Airline Industry Warns of Fuel Shortages if Hormuz Closure Continues

The European airline sector is preparing for a potential jet fuel crisis within three weeks should the Strait of Hormuz remain shut, according to ACI Europe, the organization representing the continent’s airports. This critical waterway is a key supplier of aviation fuel, providing roughly half of the EU’s imports. As summer travel demand rises, concerns over fuel availability are intensifying, with smaller airports facing heightened risks.

ACI Europe’s director-general, Olivier Jankovec, highlighted the urgency in a letter to European energy and tourism commissioners. He noted that a disruption in fuel supply could jeopardize airport operations and air routes, causing economic strain on both local areas and the broader EU. “If the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume significantly within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortages could become unavoidable,” Jankovec wrote.

“A supply crunch would severely disrupt airport operations and air connectivity – with the risk of harsh economic impacts for the communities affected, and for Europe,” Jankovec added.

Global airlines have already adjusted operations, reducing flights and raising passenger fees due to fears of fuel scarcity. Recently, the European jet fuel price benchmark reached a record high of $1,838 per tonne, compared to $831 before the conflict began. Jankovec stressed the need for immediate EU action, arguing that relying solely on market adjustments is insufficient.

He criticized the absence of a unified EU strategy to monitor fuel production and distribution. To mitigate the crisis, ACI Europe proposed collective fuel purchasing initiatives and temporary easing of import restrictions. The letter, dated 9 April and first reported by the Financial Times, also called for boosting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and affordability, suggesting that conventional fuel prices may stay elevated for the foreseeable future.

“This crisis should also be the opportunity to reinforce support for SAF production and affordability,” the letter stated.

According to Jankovec, even without fuel shortages, smaller airports with annual passenger numbers under a million are already struggling with sustainability. The current situation could further weaken their resilience, threatening regional stability and local communities. The aviation industry’s annual contribution to the EU’s GDP stands at €851 billion, supporting 14 million jobs across Europe.