Europe could begin cancelling flights within weeks if the conflict involving Iran continues to disrupt global energy flows, according to a stark warning from the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA, said the continent has just six weeks of jet fuel reserves under current conditions, raising the prospect of grounded flights if supplies are not restored.
Speaking to Associated Press, Birol described the situation as ‘the biggest energy crisis we have ever faced,’ warning it will have wide-reaching consequences for the global economy.
The immediate impact, he said, will be felt at the pump and in household bills, with fuel, gas and electricity prices all set to rise sharply.
Flights at risk as fuel supply tightens
The warning comes as pressure mounts on European authorities to act.
Airports body ACI Europe has already urged Brussels to intervene, cautioning that if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within three weeks, Europe could face a ‘systemic’ jet fuel crisis.
That would have direct consequences for aviation, with knock-on effects for connectivity, tourism and the wider economy.
Jet fuel is particularly exposed. While around 10% of Europe’s oil and 12% of its gas imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the figure for aviation fuel rises to around 40%, making the sector especially vulnerable to disruption.
Global fallout
Birol warned that while the crisis will hit all economies, the heaviest burden will fall on developing nations, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Rising energy costs risk triggering inflation spikes and slowing growth worldwide especially if the conflict drags on or escalates further.
Calls for urgent EU action
The aviation and energy sectors are now calling for emergency measures, including closer monitoring of jet fuel supplies at EU level, easier import routes and even joint purchasing schemes to secure stock.
There are also calls to boost refining capacity within Europe to reduce reliance on external supply chains.
