Iran war could hit European airlines as early as May
Photo: fuel shortage may affect flights in Europe (Getty Images)
A shortage of aviation fuel caused by the conflict around Iran could lead to cancellations of some flights in Europe within just a few weeks, according to Euractiv.
Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Willie Walsh urged governments to prepare in advance for possible fuel rationing.
"We have also estimated that by the end of May, we could start to see some cancellations in Europe for lack of jet fuel. This is already happening in parts of Asia," he stressed.
Walsh added that the International Energy Agency's assessment of a possible fuel shortage within six weeks is "concerning."
The potential shortage is linked to the situation in the Middle East, particularly restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for energy supplies.
At the same time, according to an Euractiv source, Brussels is already discussing coordination between EU countries to redistribute aviation fuel in order to avoid shortages in certain regions.
According to the source, some countries have larger aviation fuel reserves than others, but all EU states agree that none should face shortages.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that European aviation is under pressure due to the risk of a jet fuel shortage amid the war in the Middle East. Supply disruptions and regional instability have already affected logistics, and reserves could be depleted within weeks, according to experts.
Airlines are already feeling the impact: costs are rising, suppliers are not guaranteeing volumes, and stock levels are declining. Under these conditions, even short-term disruptions could lead to flight cancellations.
