Europe’s smaller airports may not survive if jet fuel shortages caused by the Middle East crisis lead to widespread flight cancellations, according to the industry’s trade body.
While airlines say there are currently no supply issues within the usual four- to six-week timeframe, the US-Israel conflict with Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz have doubled jet fuel prices, prompting some carriers to cancel flights.
The Airports Council of Europe warned that regional airports are most at risk and face an “existential threat” if airlines cut capacity and raise fares. Demand on these routes is generally more sensitive to price changes, as seen when Lufthansa canceled 20,000 summer flights operated by its regional subsidiary, CityLine.
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Olivier Jankovec, director general of ACI Europe, said smaller regional airports still haven’t recovered from the Covid pandemic, with traffic 30% below 2019 levels, while larger airports have returned to growth.
He said: “The current jet fuel prices and the prospect of a new cost-of-living crisis mean many regional airports across Europe are likely to face both a supply and demand shock. For them, this is nothing short of an existential threat.”
The body warned that problems could worsen with the full rollout of the EU’s entry-exit system (EES), which in theory requires all applicable non-citizens to provide biometric information when arriving at the border. It repeated calls for the system to be suspended if long queues develop.
The airports’ warning came as Willie Walsh, head of the global airlines body Iata, said the current crisis hasn’t yet reduced demand for flying. He added that any jet fuel shortage would hit Asia first, then Europe, and that rationing “could lead to some flight cancellations.”
Airline groups have pushed for measures like slot alleviation, already granted in the UK, which makes it easier to cancel flights without losing the right to operate at the same time from a busy airport in the future.
József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air, the largest airline in central and eastern Europe, said the slot demands protect the interests of legacy carriers like Lufthansa and British Airways, not all airlines.
Calling the conflict a “nonsense war” and a “complete mess,” he said he didn’t expect government involvement in managing fuel supply to be necessary or helpful, adding: “Maybe they should stop Donald Trump and send him home, if they want to play a constructive role.”
Váradi said he didn’t expect jet fuel shortages because high kerosene prices are “creating a lot of room to become creative – that kind of marketplace mobilizes forces,” with tankers now heading to the US.
He said summer bookings are holding up, but European airlines will face a crunch in the autumn: “Airlines go bust two times a year, in September and February. Airlines with weak liquidity positions will come under immense pressure in September.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the risk of fuel shortages causing flight cancellations at smaller European airports
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 Why are smaller airports in Europe more at risk from fuel shortages than big airports like Heathrow or Frankfurt
Big airports have huge storage tanks and are usually the first priority for fuel suppliers Smaller airports often rely on justintime deliveries by truck so they run out much faster if supplies are disrupted
2 What causes a fuel shortage at an airport
Its usually a chain reaction It can start with a refinery closing a pipeline breakdown a truck driver strike or a sudden spike in demand that the local supply chain cant keep up with
3 If my flight is canceled due to a fuel shortage do I get a refund
Yes under EU law you are entitled to a full refund or an alternative flight However because this is considered an extraordinary circumstance you usually wont get extra compensation
4 How would I know if my airport is about to run out of fuel
You usually wont get a direct warning You should watch for news about regional supply issues check your airlines app for lastminute cancellations and look for notices on your departure airports website
5 Is this a common problem or is it just a rare event
Its becoming more common especially during peak summer travel While a full shutdown is rare fuel rationing happens several times a year at smaller airports
Advanced Practical Questions
6 What does fuel rationing mean in practice for my flight
The airport limits how much fuel each plane can take The plane will take just enough fuel to fly to its destination This means it cant carry extra fuel to wait in a holding pattern so your flight is much more likely to be diverted or canceled if there is bad weather
7 Are some types of flights prioritized for the remaining fuel
Yes Emergency medical flights and scheduled commercial flights get priority Private jets cargo charters and leisure holiday charter flights are usually the first to be canceled when fuel gets tight
