Jet fuel shortages pose a threat to summer travel plans across Europe and beyond. Airlines face supply constraints that could limit flight capacity, raise ticket prices, or force schedule cancellations during peak vacation season.
The shortage stems from refinery capacity constraints and geopolitical disruptions. Several European refineries have reduced operations or closed, while global demand for aviation fuel has rebounded faster than production capacity. Russia's invasion of Ukraine also disrupted fuel supply chains, and some nations imposed sanctions affecting energy markets.
Airlines say they are securing fuel through alternative suppliers and long-term contracts, but these measures increase operational costs. Some carriers report already paying premium prices. Passengers may see higher fares as airlines pass costs along, particularly on popular summer routes to Mediterranean and beach destinations.
Solutions include governments boosting refinery investment, airlines diversifying fuel sources including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and potentially reducing demand through dynamic pricing that encourages off-peak travel. The International Air Transport Association pushed for increased fuel production capacity.
The issue arrives as post-pandemic travel demand reaches record levels. Airlines warned that fuel availability, not demand, could be the limiting factor for summer schedules. Most carriers remain optimistic supplies will stabilize before peak season, though tight margins persist through autumn.