Global Economy — 2026-04-11

European Airports Face Jet Fuel Crisis Within Three Weeks as Hormuz Closure Persists

European airports face a systemic jet fuel shortage within three weeks if Hormuz remains closed, with jet fuel prices doubling to $1,573/tonne. Air BP Italia restricted refueling at seven Italian airports with caps as low as 2,000 liters per aircraft. SAS cancelled 1,000 April flights; Ryanair warned of summer capacity cuts. On one Monday in early April, 7% of all global flights (7,049 routes) were cancelled. Around 40% of global jet fuel supply transits Hormuz. IATA warned shortages could persist for months even after reopening.

Analysis
The three-week countdown to systemic European airport failure directly connects to the Hormuz mines story. Mine clearance takes months regardless of any diplomatic deal. Airlines are already cancelling flights and rationing fuel, meaning the economic damage accelerates on a timeline that diplomacy cannot match.
2 sources
  1. Airports could face a jet fuel crunch within 3 weeks as airlines weigh flight cancellations - CNBC
  2. Airport council warns: Hormuz closure poses major fuel shortage risks - Euronews

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