Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 17, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 17, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleEurope risks flight cancellations from end of May as jet fuel supplies dwindle amid Strait of Hormuz disruption, per IATA, with scant alternatives in place.
April 17 (Reuters) - Flights in Europe could start to be cancelled from the end of May due to a lack of jet fuel, the International Air Transport Association's director general Willie Walsh said on Friday, highlighting the risk of disruption to the busy summer travel season.
"Along with doing everything possible to secure alternative supply lines, it's important that authorities have well-communicated and well-coordinated plans in place in case rationing becomes necessary, including for slot relief," he said.
European airlines have warned of jet fuel shortages within weeks as a result of the Iran war which has blocked the main supply route through the Strait of Hormuz. Europe is particularly vulnerable as it relies more on imports of jet fuel than on any other transport fuel, with some 75% of its supply from the Middle East.
Global jet fuel and kerosene demand averaged 7.8 million barrels per day in 2025, with the Gulf the largest supplier to the global market, providing nearly 400,000 bpd, according to a report by the International Energy Agency.
(Reporting by Tristan Veyet in Gdansk; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Elaine Hardcastle)
Flights in Europe could face cancellations from the end of May due to a significant shortage of jet fuel, according to IATA.
The shortage stems from the Iran war blocking the main supply route through the Strait of Hormuz, impacting Europe's jet fuel imports.
Europe depends on imports for about 75% of its jet fuel supply, making it particularly vulnerable to disruptions.
IATA urges authorities to secure alternative supply lines and prepare well-coordinated plans for rationing and slot relief if needed.
The Gulf region, supplying nearly 400,000 barrels per day, is the largest provider of jet fuel globally, according to the International Energy Agency.
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