Europe could face flight disruption within weeks as fuel supplies tighten, according to the head of the global energy watchdog.
Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), warned that Europe may have as little as six weeks’ worth of jet fuel remaining if current supply constraints linked to the conflict involving Iran persist.
Birol told the Press Association this is the “largest energy crisis we have ever faced,” adding that Europe “maybe six weeks or so (of) jet fuel left.”
He said continued disruption to tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments—could trigger what he described as an unprecedented energy shock, with aviation among the first sectors to feel the impact.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Birol cautioned that flight cancellations could begin “soon” if supplies are not restored, noting that while Asian economies such as Japan, India and China are currently on the “front line” of the disruption, pressure would rapidly spread to Europe and the Americas.
“If the Strait is not reopened,” he said, “some flights from city A to city B might be cancelled as a result of lack of jet fuel.”
Despite the warning, easyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis said on Thursday that all airports served by the airline are currently “operating as normal,” suggesting that immediate disruption has yet to materialise.
Jarvis stated: “We only ever in this industry have three to four weeks visibility (of jet fuel supplies), and that is the same as it was pre-crisis.
“We have visibility to the middle of May, and we have no concerns.
“What we’re seeing is airports and fuel suppliers working well to bring jet fuel to the airports.”
The comments highlight growing concern across the aviation and energy sectors that prolonged instability in the Middle East could have direct and near-term consequences for global transport networks, particularly if fuel supply chains remain constrained.
A Government spokesperson said: “We continue to engage with British airlines to support their operations against the backdrop of war in the Middle East, and to limit the impact on passengers.
“Most airlines purchase their aviation fuel in advance to offset price fluctuations, however we are aware of the impact to businesses, and are working with international allies to see a reopening of the Strait as soon as possible.”
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