European Airports Brace for Fuel Squeeze as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Supply

A looming jet fuel shortage could disrupt European air travel by May, industry officials warn. The conflict in Iran and repeated attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have severely constrained global oil flows, threatening the continent's aviation fuel reserves.

Airports Council International Europe has alerted the European Commission, urging proactive measures as supplies dwindle. Fuel suppliers are reportedly unable to guarantee deliveries beyond April. While a fragile two-week ceasefire is in place, the damage to shipping routes is already done. Crude oil prices remain sharply elevated, pushing jet fuel costs to nearly double their pre-conflict levels.

The strain is showing. Four Italian airports recently imposed temporary fuel rationing. Airlines worldwide are scaling back. Delta Air Lines plans to cut capacity, citing an expected $2 billion in added fuel costs. Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific and Vietnam Airlines are among many carriers reducing flights, citing unsustainable prices.

Separately, a two-day pilots' strike at Lufthansa, primarily over pension disputes, has grounded hundreds of flights in Germany, compounding travel disruptions. The carrier's cabin crew union has also called for a walkout later this week.

While some U.S. carriers express confidence in their near-term supply, European airports face a tighter margin due to greater reliance on Middle Eastern oil. The coming weeks will determine whether stabilized shipping can avert a systemic shortage.