European airports are at risk of a severe jet fuel shortage within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen. Airports Council International (ACI) Europe warns that paraffin reserves are critically low, impacting airline schedules and potentially the summer tourist season.
Approximately 40% of the world's jet fuel supply transits the Strait of Hormuz. Some European nations have reserves for only eight to ten days, forcing rationing measures in Italy. Despite a recent US-Iran truce, traffic remains restricted, and jet fuel prices have more than doubled pre-conflict levels, threatening the European economy.
ACI Europe is urging the European Commission to consider extraordinary measures, including collective EU fuel purchases and obligations on refineries to prioritize jet fuel production. The association also calls for urgent monitoring of fuel availability. Rising costs are already forcing airlines like Delta Air Lines to cut capacity and other carriers to reduce flights and increase ticket prices, severely impacting the tourism sector.