Jet fuel alert: EU airlines face shortages if Hormuz stays closed

Airports Council International – Europe (ACI Europe) alerted EU officials in a letter dated 9 April 2026 that if maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz is not restored within three weeks, European airports could face a “systemic” shortage of jet fuel. The industry body said reserves were running low and urged urgent EU-level monitoring.

The letter, addressed to the European commissioners for transport and energy, said members reported “increasing concerns” about the availability of aviation fuel and asked for a coordinated map of production, stocks and flows across the bloc. ACI Europe highlighted that military activity and disrupted tanker schedules were putting additional strain on supplies ahead of the peak summer travel season.

Market signals have tightened accordingly: jet fuel benchmarks and product premiums have spiked in recent weeks, pushing carrier operating costs higher. Industry data and IATA analysis point to Europe’s significant reliance on refined products flowing from the Persian Gulf; a disruption there transmits quickly into regional supply imbalances and higher spot prices, which could force some carriers to cut capacity or pass costs on to passengers.

In the broader context, interruptions at the Strait of Hormuz—through which a substantial share of global oil and product volumes transit—have prompted warnings from the International Energy Agency and concern among EU institutions about wider energy security and inflationary impacts. EU officials have discussed contingency measures and closer monitoring of refined product stocks to avoid sudden operational shocks to airports and supply chains.

Analysts caution that even if passage through Hormuz reopens, normalising refined product and jet fuel availability could take months due to logistical bottlenecks, inventory drawdowns and re-routing of cargoes. ACI Europe’s call for an EU-wide supply mapping and proactive measures reflects industry urgency; absent swift improvement, the summer schedule and regional connectivity stand at risk of disruption.