Europe’s aviation sector has warned that airports could begin running short of jet fuel within three weeks, raising the prospect of widespread flight disruptions during the peak summer travel season.
The alert was issued by ACI Europe, which represents airports across the continent, in a letter to EU authorities warning that a prolonged disruption in global oil flows could trigger “systemic” shortages of aviation fuel.
The warning comes amid continued instability in global energy markets following the conflict involving Iran war 2026, which has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global crude and refined products.
According to the airport body, a failure to restore stable flows through the waterway within weeks could result in fuel rationing, operational constraints, and potential flight cancellations across European airports.
It cautioned that the timing is particularly sensitive, as the region is approaching its peak summer travel season, when aviation demand and tourism revenues are at their highest.
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Airports warned that any prolonged shortage would have “harsh economic impacts,” given that air connectivity supports hundreds of billions of euros in economic activity and millions of jobs across Europe.
Airlines have already begun adjusting operations in response to rising fuel costs. Several carriers are reviewing schedules, reducing capacity, and in some cases cancelling flights to manage higher operating expenses.
Industry executives say jet fuel prices have surged sharply in recent weeks, driven by constrained supply and volatility in global crude markets.
The crisis has also prompted contingency planning at major airlines. Lufthansa Group chief executive Carsten Spohr has reportedly instructed internal teams to prepare for scenarios that could include partial grounding of aircraft if fuel availability tightens further.
Other carriers, including budget operators, have already started cutting flights. Scandinavian airline Scandinavian Airlines has announced schedule reductions, while Ryanair has warned of possible further cancellations if conditions deteriorate.
Fuel prices have climbed sharply across global markets, with aviation costs rising alongside crude oil benchmarks, which have remained elevated due to uncertainty over Middle East supply routes.
The International Air Transport Association has also flagged the rapid increase in jet fuel prices, noting that airlines are facing one of the steepest cost shocks in recent years.
European authorities are now assessing potential emergency measures, including supply prioritisation and coordination with refiners and fuel distributors, to avoid disruptions during the summer travel peak.
ACI Europe urged the European Union to prioritise aviation fuel security as part of its broader response to the energy crisis, warning that any sustained shortage could ripple through tourism, trade, and broader economic activity.
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For now, airlines and airports are bracing for further volatility, with industry leaders saying the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether widespread disruptions can be avoided.
