Only '6 Weeks Of Jet Fuel Left' In Europe: Will Your Summer International Flights Be Cancelled?

Last Updated:April 17, 2026, 17:46 IST

At the heart of the jet-fuel crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, through which a huge portion of the world’s oil and roughly 75% of Europe’s jet fuel imports, normally passes.

You might have planning a summer trip to Europe, thinking of sun-drenched escapes to the Amalfi Coast, the Greek islands, or the Spanish costas because the rest of the world is basically ‘cooked’ but well no so fast, there’s a new concern entering your plans because Europe has “maybe six weeks of jet fuel left".

That warning by Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) is now beginning to show up in flight schedules, airline decisions, and the overall reliability of travel across the region.

At the heart of the jet-fuel crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which a huge portion of the world’s oil and roughly 75% of Europe’s jet fuel imports, normally passes. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran has severely disrupted these supplies, creating a bottleneck that is now threatening aviation fuel stocks across the continent.Europe is especially vulnerable.

Unlike road or heating fuel, jet kerosene has limited stockpiles at many airports, and the region relies heavily on imports from the Middle East. With tankers struggling to get through, the clock is ticking.

Airlines Are Already Cutting Flights?

Meanwhile, the disruption is not just about availability. Even when fuel is accessible, it is arriving at far higher costs. Airlines are navigating a double pressure—limited supply and soaring prices which is why cancellations are beginning before tanks actually run dry.

Lufthansa has started reducing both long-haul and regional services, with some aircraft being retired earlier than planned. KLM has cut around 160 flights in the past month alone. Even Ryanair, Europe’s biggest low-cost carrier, has warned it may be forced to cancel up to 10% of its summer schedule if the situation deteriorates further.

These cuts are happening not just because fuel is running out today, but because prices are surging and airlines are trying to avoid bigger disruptions later. The fear is that by late May or early June, shortages could become far more widespread, hitting the heart of the busy summer travel period.

What This Means for Your Europe Holiday Plans?

For travellers, the crisis brings a new layer of uncertainty. You might see:

• Higher airfares as airlines pass on rising fuel costs
• Reduced flight frequencies, especially on thinner routes
• Last-minute cancellations or schedule changes
• Greater pressure on popular destinations like Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal

Many holidaymakers who have already booked are now left wondering whether their flights will operate as planned. Flexible tickets and comprehensive travel insurance that covers fuel-related disruptions have suddenly become far more attractive and expensive.

While the European Union is working on emergency measures, including maximising refinery output and exploring alternative import sources, experts say these steps may not fully offset the shortfall in time for peak season.

Should You Panic, Postpone, or Proceed?

The situation remains fluid and depends heavily on how quickly the Strait of Hormuz issue is resolved. However, travel experts recommend checking your flight status regularly, contacting your airline about change options, and having a backup plan — whether that’s shifting dates, choosing train routes where possible (such as Eurostar to Paris or beyond), or considering destinations closer to home.

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