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

The European aviation sector faces a critical risk of jet fuel shortages within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, according to the European airports trade body. This vital waterway supplies roughly half of the continent’s aviation fuel imports, making its closure a significant threat to operations. As the summer travel season approaches, concerns over fuel availability have grown, with smaller airports particularly at risk.

“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 Olivier Jankovec, director-general of Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, in a letter to the European commissioners for energy and tourism.

ACI Europe emphasized that without a substantial and stable reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the EU could experience a systemic fuel shortage. The organization urged immediate EU action, arguing that relying on market forces alone is insufficient. It highlighted the lack of a unified assessment system for fuel production and availability, suggesting the need for collective purchasing strategies.

Global airlines have already responded to fears of fuel scarcity by reducing flights and increasing passenger fees. Last week, the European jet fuel benchmark reached a record high of $1,838 per tonne, up from $831 before the conflict began. This surge underscores the urgency of the situation, as conventional fuel prices are expected to stay elevated in the medium to long term.

Call for EU Action

ACI Europe proposed temporary removal of import restrictions and regulations to stabilize fuel supplies. The letter, dated 9 April and first reported by the Financial Times, also called for increased support for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and affordability. Jankovec noted that even without fuel shortages, smaller airports with under a million annual passengers are struggling with sustainability.

The current crisis could further weaken the resilience of European airports, threatening local communities and potentially undermining the continent’s economic unity. Air travel contributes €851bn to Europe’s GDP annually and supports 14 million jobs, highlighting the sector’s role in economic stability.