EU Airline Industry Warns of Fuel Shortages if Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed
The European air transport sector faces a critical risk of jet fuel scarcity within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains shut, according to the Airports Council International (ACI) Europe. This vital waterway serves as a key conduit for aviation fuel, supplying roughly half of the continent’s fuel imports. As the summer travel season approaches, the organization has highlighted mounting anxieties about fuel availability, particularly for smaller airports.
ACI Europe’s director-general, Olivier Jankovec, emphasized in a letter to European energy and tourism commissioners that prolonged closure could lead to a systemic shortage. He noted that without significant progress, the EU’s air operations would face severe disruption, with potential economic repercussions for both local regions and the broader European economy.
Global Impact and Rising Costs
Several airlines across the globe have already adjusted their schedules and raised fees in response to fears of fuel shortages. Last week, the price of European jet fuel reached a record high of $1,838 per tonne, compared to $831 prior to the conflict. This surge underscores the urgency of the situation, as market forces alone may not suffice to avert the crisis.
“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,” wrote Jankovec in the letter dated 9 April, which was first reported by the Financial Times.
Jankovec urged the EU to take decisive action, criticizing the absence of a unified assessment system for monitoring fuel production and availability. He called for collective fuel purchases and temporary easing of import regulations, arguing that these measures are essential to stabilize the market. The letter also stressed the importance of bolstering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and affordability, as conventional fuel prices are expected to stay elevated for the medium to long term.
Smaller airports, which serve fewer than a million passengers annually, are already struggling with operational viability. Jankovec warned that the current crisis could further weaken these facilities, threatening local communities and risking European cohesion. The sector’s economic contribution remains substantial, generating €851bn in GDP annually and supporting 14 million jobs across the continent.
