Europe’s aviation sector is facing the prospect of fuel shortages within weeks unless the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, reopens and eases pressure on global fuel supplies, industry representatives have warned. The waterway, which facilitates roughly half of Europe’s aviation fuel imports along with other oil and gas shipments, remains closed despite a ceasefire following recent attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel.

Sultan Al Jaber, the United Arab Emirates' minister of industry and advanced technology, criticized Iran’s conditions for passage through the strait, describing them as a challenge to freedom of navigation. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for the U.S. Navy to initiate a blockade of the strait, aiming to intercept vessels that have paid transit fees to Iran. Recent talks between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan ended without a resolution, leaving the situation unresolved as Europe prepares for increased summer air travel.

Olivier Jankovec, director-general of Airports Council International Europe, expressed serious concern about the potential disruption caused by a jet fuel shortage. In a letter to European commissioners, he urged coordinated action to address the impending crisis rather than relying solely on market adjustments. Jankovec highlighted that if stable passage through the Strait of Hormuz is not restored within three weeks, Europe could face systemic shortages of jet fuel, severely impacting airport operations, air connectivity, and regional economies.

The aviation sector supports approximately 14 million jobs across Europe and contributes close to 852 billion euros ($998 billion) to the continent’s GDP, underscoring the wide-reaching implications of any fuel supply disruption. Jankovec also warned that smaller airports, which were already under economic strain before the recent geopolitical tensions, would be particularly vulnerable.

Experts note that aviation fuel poses distinct challenges compared to other energy supplies because it has fewer substitute options. Additionally, the transportation time from key suppliers in the Gulf region to European ports such as Rotterdam can take up to six weeks, suggesting that even if the strait reopens soon, supply delays and price volatility will persist.

Given the likelihood of prolonged high prices and supply constraints, industry leaders advocate for increased investment in sustainable aviation fuel production to both mitigate immediate risks and support long-term energy resilience in Europe’s air transport sector.