Italy Restricts Aviation Fuel Distribution Until 9 April 2026
Supplies of aviation fuel (avtur) at several Italian airports are facing temporary restrictions until 9 April 2026, amid a surge in Easter holiday traffic and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Aviation fuel supplier Air BP has announced restrictions on avtur distribution at four major airports: Bologna, Milan Linate, Treviso, and Venice. Under the policy, priority for refuelling is given to critical flights such as air ambulances, state flights, and long-haul flights lasting more than three hours. Other flights will face distribution limits until the specified deadline.
The President of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, Pierluigi Di Palma, stated that the supply constraints are mainly due to the spike in flight activity during the Easter holiday period, rather than direct consequences from the global energy route closures.
“These difficulties are related to the high Easter traffic, not because the Strait of Hormuz has been closed. However, if the conflict continues, the impacts will be felt,” he said.
Nevertheless, this situation is occurring against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of February.
The conflict has prompted a military response from Iran through drone and missile strikes, as well as restrictions on ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for global energy distribution.
These restrictions are heightening market concerns over disruptions to the energy supply chain, including aviation fuel, especially if the conflict continues to escalate.
Under these conditions, the European aviation industry is now facing dual pressures: a surge in travel demand and potential energy supply disruptions due to geopolitical factors.
IATA reports that avtur prices have surged 82.8% in a month due to the war in Iran. This cost pressure threatens global airline margins and is triggering increases in passenger ticket fares.
Air New Zealand has been forced to cancel 1,100 flight schedules following the spike in jet fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Pertamina’s avtur fuel is ready to support the departure of 221,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims from 13 embarkation airports.