European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas told reporters in Brussels that the European Commission will provide formal guidance covering airport slot allocations, anti-tankering practices, passenger rights and public service obligations to address the possibility of jet fuel shortages stemming from the Iran war.
At the news conference he emphasized that, "as of today" there are no jet fuel shortages, but he warned that if the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked the consequences would be catastrophic for Europe and the world unless permanent freedom of navigation is restored.
The Commission plans to press member states and industry to accelerate production of sustainable aviation fuel and synthetic fuels as a means to lessen reliance on supplies from the Middle East, Tzitzikostas said, confirming details from a report on Friday.
Europe keeps emergency jet fuel stocks that can be released when needed, he said, adding that these reserves will only be deployed under necessary circumstances. Any national release of jet fuel stocks should be conducted with full transparency to prevent market distortions, the Commissioner added.
Officials are evaluating import alternatives, including U.S. jet fuel of grade Jet A, as part of contingency planning, and the Commission is scheduled to present a broader package of energy and transport measures on Wednesday.
Tzitzikostas said there is currently no sign that widespread flight cancellations are likely in the coming weeks or months and that there is no present requirement to intervene in how Europeans live, work or travel. He also noted that operational disruptions driven by jet fuel shortages are expected to meet the threshold of extraordinary circumstances under flight compensation rules.
The Commission's remarks outline operational priorities for aviation and transport operators if supplies tighten: manage airport slots to maintain network resilience, discourage anti-tankering practices that can exacerbate fuel scarcity, clarify passenger compensation rules where circumstances are extraordinary, and ensure public service obligations are upheld.
For now the situation remains stable, but the Commission's actions signal a preparedness posture designed to limit disruption to air services and to encourage fuel diversification over the medium term.