Global airlines may begin reducing flight schedules as fears grow over a potential jet fuel shortage linked to the war in Iran, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
IATA Director General Willie Walsh warned that fuel supply concerns could disrupt air travel during the peak summer season in the Northern Hemisphere, with Asia expected to face the earliest impact.
He said the crisis could begin in Asian markets before spreading to Europe and later affecting Africa and Latin America, raising concerns for airlines already preparing for heavy seasonal demand.
As a precaution, airlines may start trimming schedules or cancelling some flights in anticipation of tighter fuel supplies.
“I think we will see airlines starting to reduce some of their schedules as we go towards the peak summer period in anticipation of some fuel shortages,” Walsh said.
Despite the warning, Walsh said he does not expect a disruption on the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that travel demand remains resilient and passengers are still likely to maintain summer holiday plans.
He added that supplies of Jet A fuel, which has a higher freezing point than other aviation fuels, could help ease pressure in Europe if regulators move quickly to approve its use and confirm compliance with technical standards.
The emerging fuel risk comes as global markets remain on edge over energy supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, adding pressure on airlines already facing rising operating costs.
