Europe is preparing for possible flight cancellations due to the fuel crisis
European airlines may face flight cancellations in the coming weeks due to a potential shortage of aviation fuel, which is linked to tensions in the Middle East. Experts warn that the situation could escalate faster than expected and affect several regions at once. The EU is already discussing response mechanisms to avoid a fuel crisis, according to Euractiv.
Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), warned of possible disruptions in Europe’s aviation sector as early as the end of May. According to him, a shortage of aviation fuel could lead to forced reductions or cancellations of some flights if the situation does not stabilize.
Walsh urged national governments to prepare in advance for possible fuel rationing and to coordinate actions among aviation regulators. He noted: “We have also calculated that flight cancellations due to a lack of aviation fuel could begin in Europe by the end of May. This is already happening in some regions of Asia.”
Separately, he highlighted the assessment by the International Energy Agency, which forecasts a potential fuel shortage within the next six weeks, calling these figures “alarming.” Experts cite the situation in the Middle East as the main cause of these risks, particularly restrictions and instability in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the world’s key energy supply routes.
Discussions are already underway in Brussels regarding the possibility of coordination among EU countries to redistribute aviation fuel reserves. The goal is to avoid a situation where some countries face shortages while others have surpluses. The European Union emphasizes that critical imbalances in supply must not be allowed, even amid rising global tensions in energy markets.
Additionally, Iran has partially reopened its airspace, allowing international flights to pass through the eastern part of the country.
Trump stated that the U.S. wants to obtain Iranian uranium by any means necessary.
Iran has again restricted ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict with the US. Tehran claims this is a response to Washington’s actions.
