Airports across the European Union could begin facing jet fuel shortages within weeks unless traffic through the Strait of Hormuz resumes in a stable and meaningful way, according to Airports Council International (ACI).
In a letter sent to EU authorities and first reported by the Financial Times, ACI said its members are becoming increasingly concerned about fuel availability just as the summer travel season approaches and demand is set to rise.
ACI director Olivier Jankovec warned that if passage through the Strait does not restart “in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks”, the risk of a systemic jet fuel shortage across the European Union could become very real.
He said such a development would severely disrupt airport operations and wider air connectivity.
The warning comes as the Strait of Hormuz has remained largely closed to commercial shipping since the outbreak of the US/Israel-Iran war. The disruption has created mounting pressure on fuel supply chains, particularly because roughly 20% to 25% of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the maritime chokepoint.
That supply constraint has already had a direct impact on prices. According to IATA and Platts figures, average jet fuel prices have climbed from around $100 per barrel in February to just under $200 last week.
The higher fuel cost is also expected to push airfreight rates further upward in the coming weeks as airline operating expenses rise.
To address the growing concern, ACI has called for an EU-wide monitoring platform to coordinate the response and assess available supply. It is also urging the bloc to support imports from alternative origins and explore joint procurement mechanisms between member states.
Jankovec said it is essential for the European Commission to lead a mapping and monitoring process covering current and projected jet fuel availability, demand needs, alternative import options, measures to increase refining or production within the EU, possible threats to intra-EU fuel flows, and the status and potential deployment timeline of both commercial and strategic reserves.
ACI is also asking for restrictions and regulatory barriers that limit jet fuel imports to be lifted.
In the letter, Jankovec said the crisis has laid bare the structural vulnerability of Europe’s fuel supply chain, highlighting the bloc’s reduced refining capacity for jet fuel and its strong dependence on imports from other regions. He argued that this should now be addressed as a strategic priority alongside stronger support for SAF production and affordability under the RefuelEU framework.
