BRUSSELS – European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas announced on April 21 that the EU will issue urgent guidance to airlines on managing airport slots, fuel tankering rules, passenger rights, and public service obligations should jet fuel shortages escalate from the Iran war’s Strait of Hormuz blockade.
No shortages exist “as of today,” he said, but prolonged disruption, choking one-fifth of global oil and LNG flows since U.S.-Israeli strikes began February 28, would prove “catastrophic.” The EU imports 30-40% of its jet fuel, half from the Middle East.
A broader energy-transport package follows April 22, launching a “fuel observatory” starting with aviation supplies. Tzitzikostas urged transparent emergency stock releases to prevent distortions, ramped sustainable aviation fuel production, and imports of U.S. Jet A despite spec differences.
Anti-tankering exemptions will clarify for shortages, with no expected mass cancellations. High prices won’t excuse compensation for delays or cancellations, he assured, signaling summer tourism readiness without lifestyle curbs. The measures brace Europe against deepening energy shocks layered atop Russia-Ukraine fallout.