Travel Alert: Unexpected Additional Fees and Fuel Shortages Threaten EU Trips

European airports and aviation industry bodies have warned that a systemic jet fuel shortage could hit the European Union within three weeks, potentially leading to widespread flight cancellations and significant economic disruption ahead of the peak summer travel season.

The warning was issued by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe in a letter addressed to the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The organization stated that unless oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz resume in a stable and significant manner, the region faces an acute fuel crunch.

Impact of Middle East Conflict on Fuel Supplies

The current crisis is a result of soaring oil prices and supply disruptions following US and Israeli attacks on Iran that began in late February 2026. In retaliation, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil exports from the Gulf.

Brent crude oil prices rose from approximately $72 a barrel before the conflict to about $96 a barrel as of April 10, 2026. While Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire during the week of April 6, 2026, market volatility remains high due to uncertainty regarding the stability of the agreement.

The shortage of jet fuel is expected to be so severe that flight cancellations across Europe would become inevitable, disrupting the travel plans of millions of passengers.

Economic and Operational Risks

ACI Europe highlighted that the timing of the potential shortage is particularly critical as many EU member states rely on the economic boost provided by increased air travel during the summer months.

According to the industry body, air connectivity is a vital economic driver, generating approximately 851 billion euros (nearly $1 trillion) in GDP for European economies and supporting 14 million jobs. The group warned that a supply crunch would derail airport operations and result in harsh economic impacts on the broader European economy.

In response to the rising costs of jet fuel, some airlines have already begun implementing measures to mitigate financial losses, which includes the cancellation of certain flights.

If the passage through the strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU

ACI Europe letter to EU Commissioners

Consumer Impact and Additional Costs

The fuel crisis is translating into direct costs for travelers. Reports indicate that some tour operators, such as Tez Tour, have notified customers that they may be required to pay additional fees despite having already fully paid for their trips.

Travelers are facing supplementary charges, with some reports citing additional costs exceeding 100 euros. These surcharges are being linked to the volatility of fuel prices and the overarching energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

ACI Europe has urged the European Union to prioritize the availability and stable supply of jet fuel as a central part of its response to the ongoing energy crisis to prevent a total collapse of summer air connectivity.