Airports across Europe could face “systemic” jet fuel shortages within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, an airport industry group has warned.
Airports Council International Europe, which represents more than 600 airports in 55 countries, sent a letter to the European Commission, stating that a fuel crunch would “significantly harm the European economy”.
The group said “the impact of military activity on demand” was further straining supplies, and its concerns had been intensified by the approach of the peak summer season.
Fuel shortages have prompted fears of delays and cancellations as millions of Britons prepare to travel for the May half-term school break.
In the letter seen by the Financial Times, EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas was warned of “increasing concerns of the airport industry over the availability of jet fuel as well as the need for proactive EU monitoring and action”.
“If the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU,” the letter said.
Ryanair said it could not rule out risks to fuel supplies at some airports if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed into May or June.
The airline urged people to book their flights as soon as possible to avoid increases in airfares.
A spokesperson for Ryanair said: “We don’t expect any near-term fuel shortages, but the situation is fluid. At present our fuel suppliers can guarantee supply to mid-end May. If the Iran war finishes soon then supply will not be disrupted. If the closure of the Hormuz Straits continues into May or June then we cannot rule out risks to fuel supplies at some airports in Europe.
“With jet oil prices doubling during March we expect all airlines will pass on these higher costs in the form of higher air fares post Easter and later this summer.
“We urge all passengers to book their flights (and holidays) as soon as possible and then they will be insulated from inevitable airfare and accommodation cost increases after Easter and later this summer.”
With a large amount of the world’s jet fuel supply trapped in the Gulf, fuel prices have risen sharply, with the price of a barrel of crude oil hovering near $100.
ACI Europe said it was especially concerned about what it could mean during the holiday season, “when air travel enables the whole tourism ecosystem upon which many [EU] economies rely”.
It urged the EU to introduce immediate policy interventions, including the temporary lifting of import restrictions on jet fuel, which it said was discouraging third-country fuel sellers from signing supply contracts for this summer.
According to a study from the group, air connectivity contributes €851bn (£741bn) in gross domestic product for European economies each year and supports 14 million jobs.
Starmer warns Trump’s war in Iran is proof UK must strengthen European alliance
Airports warn of ‘systemic’ jet fuel shortage if Strait of Hormuz stays closed
Pawn shops reporting spike in customers tied to higher gas prices
Marine map appears to show Strait of Hormuz at a standstill
Prince Harry sued for libel by his former charity Sentebale, court record shows
Officer sacked after boasting of using force on young female detainee
