Paralysis at European airports? A serious problem just before the tourist season
Experts warn of aviation fuel shortages in Europe. Financial Times sources emphasize that reserves are running out.
ACI Europe (Airports Council International Europe), an organization representing EU airports, sent a letter to the European Union Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas. In it, the association expresses its concerns about the availability of aviation fuel and raises the need for the EU to monitor and act on this issue.
Europe must be ready for aviation fuel shortages?
The organization reminds us that the summer season is fast approaching and emphasizes that the related tourism ecosystem is largely driven by air transport. So far, Europe has managed to avoid fuel shortages even as fuel prices have doubled. Some airlines have already started warning about the possibility of flight cancellations. Aviation fuel rationing began in Vietnam in response to shortages.
The situation is, of course, to blame for the war in the Middle East, unleashed by the US and Israel. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the fuel flowing there caused global oil prices to rise to dangerously high levels. The two-week ceasefire announced by Donald Trump did not improve the situation.
The Agrus Media agency noted that before the outbreak of the war, fuel prices in northwestern Europe were $750 per tonne. On Thursday, April 9, it was already USD 1,573 per tonne. Airlines on our continent assure that they still have supplies for a few weeks, but their suppliers do not guarantee that they will obtain the appropriate amounts of fuel in May.
Fuel prices have increased. Difficult situation of the aviation industry
Four Italian airports have already introduced supply restrictions. In this case, however, it is noted that the shortage is not yet related to the crisis in the Persian Gulf. In a letter to the EU commissioner, ACI writes that aviation fuel shortages will become a reality for the EU if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened in a significant and stable manner within the next three weeks.
Around the world, airlines have already begun to reduce their services, abandoning less profitable routes. Delta Air Lines from the USA gave up 3.5%. connections, deciding to cut night and mid-week flights. Air New Zealand has cut some routes due to fuel costs. Polish LOT plans to raise ticket prices and reduce less popular services.
