European aviation sector warns of fuel shortages in three weeks

The European Union’s aviation industry faces a widespread shortage of jet fuel at airports if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen. The warning comes from estimates by the European division of the International Air Transport Association (ACI). The strait remains closed by Iran amid the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

“If transit through the Strait of Hormuz is not stably re‑established within the next three weeks, a systemic shortage of aviation fuel in the EU could become a reality,” said Olivier Jankovac, director of ACI Europe. He added that a prolonged interruption of kerosene supplies would have direct effects on airport operations, connectivity and the European economy.

In a statement first reported by the Financial Times, Jankovac stressed that it is “essential” for the European Commission to map, evaluate and continuously monitor jet‑fuel production and availability at airports.

Economic stakes

• Aviation contributes €851 billion to the EU’s Gross Domestic Product.
• The sector supports about 14 million jobs across Europe.
• A reduction in traffic would hit key sectors such as tourism and high‑value exports, especially as the summer season approaches.

Supply chain bottleneck

• The EU imports nearly 40 % of the refined kerosene it consumes via the Strait of Hormuz.
• Vessels transporting the fuel take approximately one month to reach European ports.

Given the current situation, the aviation industry is calling for an urgent review of the kerosene market, urging the EU to consider measures such as:

• Facilitating imports through regulatory exceptions.
• Exploring joint procurement arrangements at the European level.

If no action is taken, the sector warns that airlines may be forced to cancel flights, which could severely impact the tourism industry of the archipelago and the broader European travel market.