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

EU Airline Industry Warns of Fuel Shortages if Hormuz Remains Closed

Concerns over potential jet fuel shortages are growing among European aviation stakeholders, with a timeline of just three weeks to address the crisis. The European airports trade group has raised alarms, stating that without the Strait of Hormuz reopening, the continent could face significant fuel supply challenges. This critical waterway is a vital conduit for aviation fuel, supplying roughly half of Europe’s needs.

As the summer travel season approaches, the risk of fuel scarcity has escalated. The Airports Council International (ACI) Europe highlighted that smaller airports are especially at risk, with operations already strained. Olivier Jankovec, the organization’s director-general, warned that a prolonged closure would “cause major disruptions to airport functions and flight networks, risking severe economic consequences for affected regions and the EU as a whole.”

“If the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in a meaningful and stable manner within the next three weeks, a systemic jet fuel shortage is imminent for the bloc,” Jankovec stated in a letter to EU energy and tourism officials dated 9 April.

Global airlines have already begun adjusting to the crisis, reducing flights and increasing passenger fees. The benchmark European jet fuel price reached a record high of $1,838 per tonne last week, up from $831 before the conflict began. Jankovec argued that relying solely on market mechanisms is insufficient, criticizing the absence of a unified EU strategy for assessing fuel availability.

He urged the EU to take immediate action, suggesting collective fuel procurement and temporary easing of import restrictions. The letter also emphasized the importance of supporting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. “The current crisis underscores the need to strengthen SAF initiatives, as traditional fuel prices are projected to remain high for the foreseeable future,” the document noted.

Air travel contributes €851bn annually to Europe’s GDP and sustains 14 million jobs. Jankovec warned that smaller airports, serving less than a million passengers yearly, are already struggling to maintain operations. “Without considering fuel shortages, these airports are in jeopardy,” he added, stressing the potential threat to local communities and European unity.