Spain's Holiday Season Under Threat as Airlines Warn They Could Run Out of Jet Fuel Within Weeks

'Systemic Shortages Will Become a Reality'

Spain's summer tourism season is facing a potentially serious threat. The ongoing war in Iran is causing real alarm among airlines and airports across Europe, with concerns growing that jet fuel supplies could start running out within weeks — right as millions of holidaymakers plan their trips.

ACI Europe, the organisation representing EU airports, has written to the European Union flagging growing concern about jet fuel availability and calling for urgent action.

"If passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in a meaningful and stable manner within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortages will become a reality for the EU," the letter reads. That three-week deadline lands on May 4.

Ryanair: 10-25% of Supplies at Risk

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has echoed these warnings:

"We don't anticipate any disruption until early May, but if the price war continues, we risk supply disruptions in Europe during May and June, and we hope the war ends sooner and the supply risk is eliminated."

He put a number on the potential impact: "a reasonable, low-level risk that between 10% and 25% of our supplies could be at risk during May and June."

However, he added: "If the war ends in April and the Strait of Hormuz reopens, then there will be virtually no risk to supply."

Why Spain Is Especially Vulnerable

The timing couldn't be worse for Spain. The country's tourism sector is one of the most important in Europe, and the peak summer season brings tens of millions of visitors, the vast majority arriving by air.

Any meaningful disruption to flight schedules in May and June would hit hotels, restaurants, resorts and local businesses at exactly the moment they're counting on the season to get going.

What Happens Now?

For now, airlines still have several weeks of fuel reserves and the situation remains fluid. A fragile ceasefire is in place and the Strait of Hormuz has partially reopened under Iranian supervision — but stability is far from guaranteed.

For anyone with flights booked to or from Spain this summer, the advice remains: monitor your airline's communications, book early, consider flexible tickets, and make sure your travel insurance covers disruption.

This article is based on reporting from Spanish News Today, published April 13, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only.