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

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

With the Strait of Hormuz remaining shut, the European aviation sector risks a major fuel crisis within three weeks, according to ACI Europe. The Persian Gulf accounts for roughly half of Europe’s aviation fuel imports, making its closure a critical threat. The organization highlighted growing worries about fuel availability, especially as the summer tourism season approaches. Smaller airports are said to be particularly at risk, with operations potentially thrown into disarray.

“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,” Olivier Jankovec, ACI Europe’s director-general, wrote in a letter to European energy and tourism commissioners.

Global airlines have already taken action, reducing flights and raising passenger fees due to fuel concerns. Last week, the European jet fuel benchmark reached a record high of $1,838 per tonne, compared to $831 before the war started. Jankovec stressed that relying solely on market forces is insufficient, calling for urgent EU intervention.

“This crisis should also be the opportunity to reinforce support for SAF production and affordability,” the letter stated. “The price of conventional jet fuel is likely to remain at higher levels in the medium to long-term.”

ACI Europe proposed collective fuel purchasing and temporary easing of import restrictions to stabilize supply. The group also criticized the lack of a unified assessment system for tracking fuel production and availability. Jankovec noted that airports serving fewer than a million passengers annually are already struggling with sustainability, even before considering fuel shortages.

Travel in Europe contributes €851bn to GDP annually, supporting 14 million jobs. The current situation could further weaken local economies, threatening regional cohesion and air connectivity.