Europe faces summer flight cancellations from jet fuel shortage: IATA

Flights in Europe could start to be cancelled from the end of May due to a lack of jet fuel, the International Air Transport Association's director general Willie Walsh said on Friday, highlighting the risk of disruption to the busy summer travel season, reports Reuters.

"Along with doing everything possible to secure alternative supply lines, it's important that authorities have well-communicated and well-coordinated plans in place in case rationing becomes necessary, including for slot relief," he said.

European airlines have warned of jet fuel shortages within weeks as a result of the Iran war which has blocked the main supply route through the Strait of Hormuz. Europe is particularly vulnerable as it relies more on imports of jet fuel than on any other transport fuel, with some 75 per cent of its supply from the Middle East.