Italian Airports Warn of Fuel Shortages Due to Middle East Conflict

Several airports in northern Italy have implemented temporary restrictions on jet fuel uplift as a Middle East crisis disrupts global energy flows and disrupts aviation networks across Europe.

Aviation advisories indicate that at least four northern Italian gateways have introduced limits on the availability of Jet A1 fuel. These measures are scheduled to remain in place through April 9, 2026.

Affected Airports and Operational Measures

The fuel restrictions specifically impact the following airports:

• Bologna Guglielmo Marconi
• Milan Linate
• Venice Marco Polo
• Treviso

Operational updates provided to airlines describe these measures as precautionary rationing rather than a complete shortage. To manage existing stocks and ensure an even distribution across scheduled traffic, aircraft are being asked to restrict the volume of fuel taken on in Italy or to arrive with additional fuel from previous flight sectors.

Venice Marco Polo is experiencing some of the most significant constraints. Flight crews have been advised to plan for sufficient fuel at departure from prior airports to cover their onward rotations.

At Bologna, Milan Linate, and Treviso, the advisories describe the availability of fuel as reduced or limited, indicating that while fuel is still accessible, This proves not available in unrestricted quantities.

Broader European Energy Context

The supply constraints in Italy are part of a larger European aviation crisis triggered by a conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The crisis has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to most oil shipments by Tehran, disrupting a waterway that previously handled approximately one-fifth of the world’s crude supplies.

This disruption has caused European jet fuel prices to reach a record $1,900 per metric ton as of Thursday, April 3, 2026, according to the publication Argus.

The impact is being felt across the continent, with London Heathrow and other U.K. Airports identified as particularly vulnerable. Some fuel-related flight cancellations have already occurred in the U.K., and the regional airline Skybus has ended one route due to fuel pricing.

Supply Projections and Industry Outlook

Analysis from the energy firm Kpler suggests that France may be the next country to face a significant deficit between fuel supply and demand after the U.K., although the firm notes France is well-positioned to source fuel from non-Gulf sources.

Projections from Argus regarding the timeframe in which various European nations could exhaust their jet fuel supplies include:

• Portugal: Four months
• Hungary: Five months
• Denmark: Six months
• Italy and Germany: Seven months
• France and Ireland: Eight months

Poland is noted as being almost self-sufficient in jet fuel and is therefore unlikely to face a similar crisis.

Industry leaders have expressed concern over the longevity of the Middle East conflict. Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, stated to ITV that his airline is considering canceling 5, 10 percent of flights through May, June and July if the war continues into May or June.

Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of the Airlines for Europe lobby, stated that the uncertainty regarding the duration of the Middle East situation is raising concerns about jet fuel availability across Europe for the coming weeks and months.