Many airlines have already responded to rising jet fuel prices. Image: KEYSTONE
Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and charges millions in tolls. Now the aviation industry is sounding the alarm.
April 10, 2026, 9:50 p.mApril 10, 2026, 9:50 p.m
The European umbrella association for airport operators (ACI Europe) has warned of the risk of a “systemic kerosene shortage” if shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz does not resume “in a stable and significant manner” within three weeks. In a letter to the EU Commission, which was available to the AFP news agency on Friday, the association called for “urgent monitoring of availability and supply” in the next six months.
The Iran war triggered a sharp rise in the price of jet fuel, even more than that of crude oil. Across all continents, numerous airlines have increased their fares and suspended flights for safety or profitability reasons.
The war began on February 28 with US-Israeli air strikes on Iran. Tehran responded, among other things, by blocking shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 percent of the world’s oil, kerosene and gas are transported. A ceasefire has been in effect since Tuesday evening, during which, among other things, the strait is to be opened. However, this only happens slowly.
According to its own information, ACI Europe represents more than 600 airports in 55 countries. In its letter to the Commission, the lobby group also called for a relaxation of European legislation, particularly regarding the reduction of methane emissions in the energy sector.
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