Europe's Jet Fuel Stocks Last Only Six Weeks, Several Flights at Risk of Cancellation

The International Energy Agency states that several flights in Europe are at risk of cancellation in the near future. This issue stems from the increasingly depleted oil supplies in Europe due to the war involving Iran and the United States-Israel.

“If oil supplies remain trapped because of the war with Iran, some upcoming flights in Europe may be cancelled,” said the Head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, as reported by CNN on Thursday (16/4/2026).

Birol stated that Europe only has jet fuel stocks for six weeks. A jet fuel shortage in Europe is predicted to occur in April or early May 2026.

“Europe may only have jet fuel stocks for around six weeks,” said Birol.

He said flights in Europe would be affected if the oil crisis resulting from the war continues. He mentioned that if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, “we will soon hear news that some flights from city A to city B may be cancelled due to a jet fuel shortage.”

Birol’s forecast on the impending jet fuel shortage is slightly more optimistic than recent warnings. On 9 April, ACI Europe, which represents European airports, stated that Europe is only three weeks away from such a shortage.

Airlines have reduced some less profitable flights because jet fuel prices have surged since the start of the war.