Airlines Fear Jet-Fuel Rationing as Middle East War Disrupts Supply

IATA Chief Warns of Fuel Shortages Within Six Weeks

The head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged authorities to prepare contingency measures for potential jet-fuel shortages across Europe, as the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to threaten global aviation fuel supplies.

Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, described an International Energy Agency assessment warning of possible fuel depletion within six weeks as "sobering". He cautioned: "By the end of May we could start to see some cancellations in Europe for lack of jet fuel."

Strait of Hormuz Closure at the Heart of the Crisis

The aviation fuel crisis stems from Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world's most critical shipping chokepoints — following the U.S.-Israel war that began in late February 2026 and has since expanded across the wider region.

Although Iran's foreign minister announced on Friday that the strait was reopening, shipping companies remain apprehensive and have yet to resume normal transit through the waterway. The uncertainty has kept fuel supply chains under severe pressure.

Calls for Rationing Contingency Plans

Walsh emphasised that proactive planning was essential: "If jet fuel shortages occurred, it's important that authorities have well-communicated and well-coordinated plans in place in case rationing becomes necessary."

His comments reflect growing anxiety across the aviation industry that the disruption could escalate from a pricing crisis into a genuine supply emergency at European airports.

EU Considers Pooling Fuel Resources

EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen told the Financial Times that member states might pool jet fuel resources to mitigate the impact of any shortages. However, an EU spokesperson stated there was currently "no indication of systemic fuel shortages that would lead to widespread flight cancellations."

What It Means for Travellers to Spain

For expats, tourists and anyone with flights booked to Spain over the coming weeks, the situation warrants close attention. While no widespread cancellations have been announced yet, the IATA warning suggests the window of relative normality could be closing.

Travellers should monitor their airline for updates, consider flexible booking options where available, and ensure they have adequate travel insurance covering disruption-related cancellations.

This article is based on reporting from The Local Spain / AFP, published April 18, 2026. The situation is evolving — always check directly with your airline for the latest information.