The head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Willie Walsh, warned of the likelihood of flight cancellations in Europe as early as the end of May due to a shortage of aviation fuel. He urged European countries to prepare clear and coordinated action strategies in advance in case of a fuel shortage.
This is reported by Finway
Risks of Aviation Fuel Shortage and Impact on Air Transport
According to estimates from the International Energy Agency, aviation fuel reserves in Europe could begin to deplete within six weeks. Such forecasts are causing concern among aviation industry representatives. Willie Walsh emphasized that in certain regions of Asia, there have already been instances of flight cancellations due to a lack of fuel, and this situation could be repeated in Europe.
“We have also calculated that by the end of May, Europe may start to see cancellations of some flights due to a lack of aviation fuel. This is already happening in some regions of Asia,” he noted.
Causes of Fuel Shortage and the Situation in the Strait of Hormuz
The aviation fuel shortage in Europe has arisen against the backdrop of an effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, which has been ongoing since the onset of military confrontation between Iran, the USA, and Israel. The Strait of Hormuz is strategically important for the transportation of oil and petroleum products, including aviation fuel, so its blockade affects global supplies.
The operational command of the Iranian military, Khatam al-Anbiya, recently reported that control over the Strait of Hormuz has allegedly returned to its previous state after tensions due to the maritime blockade of Iranian ports by the USA. However, the consequences of these restrictions are already being felt and could lead to disruptions for European airlines in the coming weeks.