EU airline industry warns of fuel shortages if Strait of Hormuz stays closed
EU Airline Sector Alerts to Potential Fuel Shortages Amid Hormuz Closure
The European airport trade association has issued a caution that a severe jet fuel crisis could emerge within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains shut. This critical waterway serves as a vital artery for aviation fuel, supplying roughly half of the continent’s fuel imports. As the summer travel season approaches, concerns over fuel availability have intensified, with smaller airports facing heightened risk.
Olivier Jankovec, the director-general of Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, emphasized the urgency of the situation in a letter addressed to the European commissioners for energy and tourism. He stated that without a significant and stable reopening of the Strait, “systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU.” The warning highlights the potential for widespread disruption to air operations and connectivity, which could ripple into economic consequences for local populations and the broader European region.
“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,”
Global airlines have already responded to the looming crisis by reducing flight schedules and raising passenger fees. The financial strain is evident in the soaring prices of European jet fuel, which reached a record high of $1,838 per tonne last week. This figure is a stark contrast to the $831 per tonne recorded prior to the conflict in the region.
Jankovec urged immediate EU action, arguing that relying solely on market mechanisms is insufficient. He pointed out the absence of a unified strategy for assessing and tracking jet fuel production and supply. To mitigate the issue, the trade body advocates for collective fuel purchasing initiatives and temporary easing of import restrictions.
“This crisis should also be the opportunity to reinforce support for SAF [sustainable aviation fuel] production and affordability,”
The letter, dated 9 April and first reported by the Financial Times, underscores the long-term implications of conventional fuel prices. Jankovec noted that even airports with fewer than a million passengers annually are struggling with operational viability, independent of fuel supply challenges. He warned that the current crisis could further weaken the sector’s resilience, threatening regional cohesion.
Air travel plays a significant role in Europe’s economy, contributing €851bn to GDP annually and supporting 14 million jobs. The ongoing fuel shortage risk adds pressure to ensure the sector’s stability during a pivotal period for economic activity.
