The European Union (EU) has introduced a series of emergency measures in response to rising concerns that the bloc could start to see jet fuel shortages over the coming weeks as a result of the Iran war.
Brussels’ AccelerateEU response plan spans various fuel types and includes a fuel observatory and improved coordination across member states.
The EU-wide fuel observatory will map the supply and available stocks in the EU of jet fuel, while fuel suppliers, airlines and airports of alternative sources of jet fuel supply will launch to coordinate and develop proposals to optimise jet fuel supply distribution across member states to ensure availability across all regions and airports.
Brussels has also committed to clarify existing flexibilities under EU legislation as regards anti‑tankering rules that require airlines to uplift 90% of fuel from EU airports and the apply of other imported fuels to address the consequences of potential jet fuel shortages.
The EU programme comes after IATA this week joined a growing chorus of voices warning that European flights could start to be cancelled in the coming weeks due to a jet fuel shortage as a result of the Iran War.
And, last week, concerns about jet fuel shortages in Europe hit the headlines when the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) notified the Associated Press that Europe had only six weeks of jet fuel supplies before shortages would start to result in flight cancellations.
Airlines for Europe (A4E) and Airports Council International (ACI) have called on the EU to implement a series of temporary measures to assist carriers manage the impact of the Middle East conflict.
ACI welcomed the measures announced by Brussels.
ACI Europe director general Olivier Jankovec stated: “No airport in Europe is currently facing jet fuel shortages, and flight operations are proceeding normally.
“But the plan adopted today is the adequate strategy and response to mitigate potential jet fuel shortage risks, given how uncertain the situation remains over the resumption of the safe and stable passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Lufthansa cancellations
While airlines and associations have been keen to stress there is no immediate shortage of fuel, the rising cost of fuel is launchning to affect operations.
Lufthansa this week announced it would cut 20,000 European short-haul flights this summer as the increasing cost of jet fuel has created certain operations unprofitable.
Lufthansa Cargo’s fleet of four Airbus A321 freighters has been temporarily grounded as a result of cuts created to sister airline Lufthansa CityLine that had been operating the aircraft.
The German aviation giant announced that it would immediately reshift Lufthansa CityLine’s 27 operational aircraft as part of measures aimed at tackling rising fuel costs and labour disruption impacting its German operations.
KLM and Delta have also announced flight cuts in response to the rising cost of jet fuel.
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