Jet Fuel Shortage Triggers Flight Reductions Across Europe

Since the U.S.–Israel military action against Iran in late February, European airlines have begun cancelling or trimming flights. Lufthansa announced the removal of 20,000 services through October, while carriers such as KLM, SAS and Ryanair have reduced schedules. The UK Department for Transport warned that fuel shortages could force slot-allocation exemptions at airports.

Business Insider

The shortage originates from the Strait of Hormuz closure, through which about 40 % of Europe’s jet-fuel imports travel. Iran’s retaliation to U.S.–Israel strikes halted Gulf tanker traffic, pushing prices above $1,800 per tonne.

Mirror - UK

Jet-fuel prices have roughly doubled since the conflict, climbing from $831 to $1,838 per tonne in Europe by early April. The International Energy Agency warned Europe holds only six weeks of reserves. Lufthansa’s cuts will save about 40,000 metric tons, roughly 10 % of its summer use.

Al Jazeera (website)

The UK DfT said airlines have pre-bought fuel and stockpiles, urging passengers to keep travel plans unchanged while risks are monitored. Airport Coordination Limited suspended the ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ slot rule for carriers hit by shortages. EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas announced an emergency jet-fuel plan and possible reserve sharing. IATA chief Willie Walsh called for coordinated contingency planning.

Politico Europe

Consumer groups warn that rising fares and fewer flights could erode confidence. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said a prolonged strait closure may force up to 10 % of flights to be cancelled, urging flexible bookings.

Ryanair warns of potential summer flight cancellations due to jet fuel shortages

UK authorities assert no current fuel shortage, citing advance purchases, while EU officials warn of six-week reserves and potential supply gaps. Precise stock levels at individual airports remain undisclosed.

iNews

• “We recognise that families may be concerned, and that aviation and tourism businesses are operating in challenging global conditions. We are working hand-in-hand with industry to help flights keep operating.” — Department for Transport spokesperson

iNews

• “We are facing the biggest energy security threat in history,” — Fatih Birol, International Energy Agency chief

NPR

• “Along with doing everything possible to secure alternative supply lines, it's important that authorities have well-communicated and well-coordinated plans in place in case rationing becomes necessary,” — Willie Walsh, IATA Director General

NPR

• “We don't expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June,” — Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair

Business Insider

• “[Currently] it is primarily a crisis of prices and not yet a crisis of supply, but unfortunately we cannot be sure to prevent a crisis of supply, especially on jet fuel in the future, if the crisis continues.” — Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Transport and Tourism

EU warns of summer flight cancellations due to jet fuel crisis

• “ Airports Council International, which represents more than 600 airports, wrote recently to European commissioners for energy, transport and tourism, claiming that if the crucial strait does not reopen in a ‘significant and stable way within the next three weeks’ then ‘systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU’.” — Olivier Jankovec, Director-General of Airports Council International

LADbible

EU regulators will monitor fuel inventories through a new observatory, while airlines continue to assess alternative sourcing from the United States and Nigeria. Slot-allocation rules remain under review.

iNews