Jet fuel shortages at airports could lead to cancelled flights across UK and EU

• European airports warn that jet fuel shortages could occur within three weeks.
• The closure of the strait of Hormuz has caused global fuel prices to soar.
• Multiple airlines have already cancelled flights as reserves drop and costs rise.

Airports Council International Europe has alerted EU commissioners that systemic jet fuel shortages may hit the region in three weeks. This crisis stems from oil supplies failing to flow through the strait of Hormuz. Such deficits could lead to inevitable flight cancellations across the UK and EU.

The situation is driven by war involving the US, Israel, and Iran. After Iran closed the vital shipping route, Brent crude oil climbed to about 96 dollars a barrel from 72 dollars. A two-week ceasefire was announced, but market concerns remain high regarding its stability.

Global fuel costs have surged, reaching 1,650 dollars per tonne. Prices in Europe rose by 138 percent, while Asia saw a 163 percent year-on-year increase. Iata notes that refining capacity in the Middle East will take months to recover even if routes reopen.

Smaller airports are most vulnerable because they rely on limited on-site stocks. These reserves typically last only four to five weeks. Consequently, airlines may first cut less popular leisure routes to manage the dwindling fuel supplies as the summer season approaches.

Some carriers have already reacted to the crisis. Skybus and Aurigny cancelled several routes, while global airlines like SAS and AirAsia X reduced flights. Even Ryanair is considering cutting 10 percent of flights to handle the rising costs and fuel scarcity.

Europe historically gets over 60 percent of its jet fuel from Gulf refineries. Unlike crude oil, jet fuel lacks alternative pipeline routes to bypass the strait. This makes the aviation industry uniquely exposed to disruptions in this specific geographic shipping corridor.

While the UK government claims aircraft are operating as normal, the economic outlook is grim. Beyond higher inflation from fare hikes, fuel shortages could damage tourism and business exports. Iata had previously expected passenger traffic to grow by 4.9 percent in 2026.