The European airline industry has raised alarms over potential jet fuel shortages if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, a critical waterway for oil exports — ACI Europe, the trade body representing the continent’s airports, has warned that a prolonged closure could lead to systemic fuel shortages within three weeks.

Persian Gulf’s Role in Aviation Fuel Supply

The Persian Gulf is a major source of aviation fuel, accounting for about 50% of Europe’s imports; ACI Europe’s director-general, Olivier Jankovec, expressed growing concerns about the availability of jet fuel, especially with the summer tourism season approaching.

Jankovec highlighted that smaller airports are particularly vulnerable to a supply crunch, which could disrupt airport operations and air connectivity, but he warned of potential harsh economic impacts on affected communities and Europe as a whole.

In a letter to the European commissioners for energy and tourism, Jankovec stated that if the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in a significant and stable manner within three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortages would become a reality for the EU.

Rising Fuel Prices and Calls for EU Intervention

Last week, the benchmark European jet fuel price reached an all-time high of $1,838 per tonne, compared to $831 before the war began, though Jankovec urged the EU to intervene, stating that relying solely on market forces and adaptation was not an option.

He criticized the lack of a unified EU-wide assessment and monitoring system for jet fuel production and availability — ACI Europe has called for collective purchasing of jet fuel and a temporary lifting of restrictions and regulations on importing jet fuel.

Jankovec also emphasized the need to reinforce support for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and affordability, noting that conventional jet fuel prices are likely to remain high in the medium to long term.

He pointed out that airports with fewer than a million passengers per year are already struggling with viability without even considering the impact of potential fuel shortages. The current crisis could further threaten the stability of these airports and the communities they serve.

Economic Impact of Air Travel in Europe

Air travel contributes €851bn to European economies’ GDP annually and supports 14 million jobs, but Jankovec warned that the ongoing crisis could undermine European cohesion and threaten local communities, particularly those dependent on air travel for economic stability.

With the war in the region affecting oil flows from the Persian Gulf, the situation highlights the interconnectedness of global energy markets and the potential ripple effects on the European aviation sector. The call for EU-wide action highlights the urgency of addressing the fuel supply issue before it escalates into a broader crisis.