Airlines are quietly preparing emergency plans for potential jet fuel shortages as the war in the Middle East begins to rattle global energy supplies.

Industry leaders warn the impact could be felt within weeks if fuel flows from the Gulf are disrupted. Prices have already surged since US and Israeli missile strikes on Iran at the end of March — raising fears of higher ticket prices, fewer flights and possible cancellations just as the summer travel season approaches.

Fuel Prices Spike as Conflict Spreads

The cost of jet fuel has doubled in the weeks since the strikes on Iran, sending shockwaves through the aviation sector.

Airline executives say the immediate concern is not just price but access. Carriers are struggling to get firm guarantees from suppliers beyond the next few weeks, creating uncertainty across global route networks.

The risk is particularly acute for long-haul flights that rely on refuelling at overseas hubs.

Airlines Draw Up Contingency Plans

Ben Smith, chief executive of Air France-KLM, said airlines are now actively planning for supply disruptions.

“We’re putting in plans today to draw up scenarios on how we would deal with the shortage of fuel,” he said.

European carriers may be able to rely on regional stockpiles for departures, but the real danger lies overseas — especially on return journeys if fuel becomes scarce at destination airports.

Asia Routes Seen as Vulnerable

Executives warn the biggest pressure point lies in Southeast Asia, which relies heavily on fuel shipments routed through the Gulf.

“We can get fuel out of Europe,” Smith said. “But when we go to a southeast Asian city we’re not going to be able to fly the plane back. If there’s no fuel, you can’t fly.”

Budget airline easyJet says suppliers have guaranteed deliveries for roughly three weeks, but beyond that the picture becomes murkier.

Industry Warns of Flight Cuts and Higher Fares

Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association and former boss of British Airways, warned the industry could face a major supply shock.

“This is a bigger supply issue than we’ve seen before,” he said.

If shortages materialise, airlines may be forced to reduce schedules, pushing up fares and squeezing availability. For travellers planning Easter breaks or summer holidays, the turbulence may be just beginning. ✈️

Airlines making plans for jet fuel shortages - including possible cancellations

No problems reported with fuel in the USA. Guess you want us to spend more to bail out Europe yet again, protecting your oil shipments....