Jet Fuel Shortages Threaten Europe’s Flights as Energy Chief Warns of Cancellations
Jet fuel shortages could trigger flight cancellations in Europe soon if oil supplies from the Middle East are not restored in the coming weeks, the head of the International Energy Agency said on Thursday, June 26, 2025 ET. Fatih Birol warned that Europe has about six weeks of jet fuel left before the shortage pressure starts to hit the aviation system. His comments came as the Iran war continues to disrupt energy markets and drive up fuel costs across the region.
Airlines Brace For Pressure As Fuel Costs Rise
Birol said some flights may be cancelled “soon” if supply lines do not improve, adding that the warning is tied to the wider strain on global oil flows. He said he expects news that some flights from one city to another “might be cancelled as a result of lack of jet fuel. ”
That warning arrives even though there have not yet been outright shortages in Europe, because shipments that left before the war continued to arrive. The final cargoes have now reached Europe, leaving the system more exposed if replacement supplies do not come through quickly. Jet fuel shortages are now being watched closely by airlines and airports that normally carry only limited reserves.
Jet Fuel Shortages Already Showing Up In Flight Cuts
KLM said on Thursday, June 26, 2025 ET, that it would cut 160 flights in the coming month because of high kerosene jet fuel prices. The airline said the cancellations affect a limited number of flights within Europe that are no longer financially viable to operate because of rising costs.
The Dutch airline said there is no kerosene shortage at this stage and added that it expects a busy May holiday period, with passengers still able to travel to holiday destinations as planned. Even so, the move underlines the financial pressure on airlines as jet fuel shortages move from a distant risk to a growing operational concern.
Why The Warning Matters Now
The International Energy Agency chief linked the situation to the Iran war, which has disrupted global energy markets since the first strikes at the end of February. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital export route for oil from the Gulf, while talks aimed at ending the war have not produced a lasting breakthrough.
Brent crude futures remain more than 30% higher than before the war, adding pressure through the wider economy and pushing up petrol, gas, and electricity prices. Birol said the longer the disruption lasts, the worse the impact will be for growth and inflation around the world.
What Comes Next For Travelers
Airports and airlines typically keep about six weeks of fuel supply in normal times, but industry reserves are being used up as the war drags on. Birol’s warning suggests the next few weeks will be decisive for whether jet fuel shortages remain a warning or turn into broader cancellation plans.
For travelers, the immediate risk is not a full shutdown but selective cuts on routes that are already losing money because of higher fuel costs. If supplies are not restored soon, jet fuel shortages could force more airlines to follow KLM’s lead and trim schedules further.
