Summer holiday flights could face disruption across the UK and Europe unless oil supplies resume through the Strait of Hormuz within the next three weeks, airports have warned. The Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) has written to the EU's energy and transport commissioners, stating that the bloc is three weeks away from a systemic jet fuel shortage if the strait remains closed.
The warning comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East after Iran effectively shut the key shipping route in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude trading at around $96 a barrel on Friday, up from $72 before the conflict. Jet fuel prices in Europe have risen by 138% year on year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), forcing airlines to reconsider their schedules.
Smaller airports are particularly vulnerable, as they rely on regular deliveries and hold only four to five weeks of reserves. Some airlines have already cut services: Skybus closed its Newquay to London Gatwick route, and Aurigny reduced flights between the Channel Islands and London City, Paris, and south-west England. Ryanair's chief executive Michael O'Leary has said Europe's largest airline is considering a 10% reduction in flights.
The UK government has stated that no disruption to fuel supplies has been reported yet but is engaging with carriers to limit the impact on passengers. The final tanker of Gulf jet fuel destined for the UK arrived in Kent on Tuesday, while the last cargo for Europe is expected in Copenhagen on Saturday. Europe typically sources more than 60% of its jet fuel from Gulf refineries, with over 40% shipped through the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts warn that the crisis could lead to higher airfares and contribute to inflation, as global competition for alternative fuel sources intensifies. The disruption has been exacerbated by the lack of alternative pipelines for jet fuel, unlike crude oil, making the market particularly sensitive to the strait's closure.
