Europe's airport industry, represented by ACI Europe, has issued a warning that jet fuel shortages could hit European airports within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, potentially disrupting summer travel and significantly harming the European economy [1]. In a letter to the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, ACI Europe emphasized the 'harsh economic impacts' that fuel shortages would have, noting that air connectivity generates 851 billion euros (nearly $1 trillion) in GDP and supports 14 million jobs across the EU [1].
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, following the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran that began on February 28, has effectively halted traffic through the vital passageway, which previously accounted for around 20% of the world's oil shipments [1]. This disruption has sent oil prices above $100 a barrel and pushed energy costs higher, with jet fuel prices up 103% month-on-month as of March, according to the International Air Transport Association [1]. In the U.S., jet fuel prices roughly doubled from $2.50 a gallon on February 27 to $4.88 a gallon on April 2 [1].
Despite a two-week ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran, which allows vessels to pass through the Strait, the passageway remains effectively closed, maintaining pressure on fuel supplies and prices [1]. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was last up 0.4% to $98.27 per barrel after passing $100 earlier in the session, while Brent crude was nearly flat at $96.02 per barrel [1].
Airlines are responding to the crisis by implementing contingency measures. Lufthansa's CEO Carsten Spohr informed employees that the carrier is forming teams to create plans that may include grounding some aircraft [1]. Scandinavian airline SAS is cancelling 1,000 flights in April, and Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary stated that the Irish carrier may have to cancel flights and reduce capacity over the summer if the fuel shortage persists [1].
CONCLUSION
The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is threatening a systemic jet fuel shortage in Europe, with airlines already cancelling flights and preparing for further disruptions. The situation is causing significant economic concern, especially ahead of the peak summer travel season, and has led to soaring fuel prices and operational challenges for carriers. Unless the passageway reopens soon, the European aviation sector faces a high-impact crisis with broad economic repercussions.