European airports warn of half-term holiday chaos due to jet fuel shortage
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 (ACI) Europe, which represents more than 600 airports in 55 countries, sent a letter to the European Commission stating that the fuel shortage will “significantly harm the European economy.”
The group said the “impact of military activities on demand” was further straining supply and its concerns were intensifying as the busy summer season approached.
As millions of Britons prepare to travel for the May half-term break, fuel shortages have sparked fears of delays and cancellations.
In the letter he saw Finance TimesEU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas warned of “the airport industry’s growing concerns about the availability of jet fuel, as well as the need for proactive EU monitoring and action.”
“If transit through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume significantly and steadily within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortages will become a reality for the EU.”
Ryanair said it could not rule out risks to fuel supplies at some airports if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed until May or June.
The airline urged people to book flights as soon as possible to avoid an increase in airfares.
A spokesman for Ryanair said: “We do not expect any fuel shortages in the near term, but the situation is fluid. Currently our fuel suppliers are able to guarantee supplies until mid-May. If the Iran war ends soon supply will not be disrupted. If the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues into May or June then we cannot rule out risks to fuel supplies at some airports in Europe.”
“With jet oil prices doubling in March, we expect all airlines to pass on these higher costs in the form of higher airfares after Easter and later this summer.
“We urge all travelers to book their flights (and holidays) as soon as possible so they are protected from inevitable airfare and accommodation cost increases after Easter and later this summer.”
With much of the world’s jet fuel supply trapped in the Gulf, fuel prices have more than doubled in recent weeks to $150 to $200 a barrel.
ACI said it was concerned about what this could mean, especially during the holiday season: “Air travel enables the entire tourism ecosystem that many people work on. [EU] economies trust.”
Called on the EU to implement urgent policy interventions, including the temporary lifting of import restrictions on jet fuel; He said this had deterred third-country fuel sellers from signing supply contracts for this summer.
Air connectivity contributes €851bn (£741bn) to European economies’ gross domestic product each year and supports 14 million jobs, according to a study by the group.
