PARIS, France — Aviation leaders are sounding alarms over potential jet-fuel shortages that could disrupt air travel across Europe and Asia within weeks, citing the ongoing Middle East conflict's impact on critical shipping routes.
Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), urged authorities on Friday to develop "well-coordinated plans" in case fuel rationing becomes necessary. His warning follows an International Energy Agency assessment projecting that aircraft fuel supplies in Europe could begin depleting in approximately six weeks.
"We have also estimated that by the end of May we could start to see some cancellations in Europe for lack of jet fuel. This is already happening in parts of Asia," Walsh stated, describing the situation as "sobering."
The supply concerns stem primarily from Iran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage for global oil shipments, since hostilities escalated between the United States, Israel, and regional actors in late February. Although Iran's foreign minister announced Friday that the strait would reopen to commercial traffic, shipping companies remain cautious, creating uncertainty in fuel supply chains.
European Union Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen told the Financial Times that flight cancellations could soon become reality, suggesting EU nations might need to share jet fuel reserves to mitigate disruptions during an extended crisis.
However, EU spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen offered a more measured assessment, noting that "there is no indication of a systemic fuel shortage that would lead to widespread flight cancellations" at present.
The situation has already manifested in operational challenges for some carriers. Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air reported experiencing jet fuel shortages at three Italian airports this week, highlighting how regional supply issues are beginning to affect airline operations.
Aviation experts warn that without coordinated planning between governments, airlines, and fuel suppliers, the travel industry could face significant disruptions during the peak summer travel season, potentially affecting millions of passengers worldwide.