European airlines are calling on the European Union to implement emergency measures due to concerns over jet fuel shortages during the upcoming peak season following the outbreak of war in Iran. Since the conflict began in late February, aviation has been hampered by airspace closures, according to a document from the Airlines for Europe (A4E) association seen by Reuters on Tuesday. Furthermore, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is tightening global jet fuel supplies, leading the European airport trade body ACI to warn of a supply crisis within three weeks. A4E is therefore proposing that the EU monitor jet fuel stocks across Europe and explore the possibility of joint fuel procurement.

The association, which represents all major carriers including Lufthansa and Ryanair, is also seeking financial relief to offset surging fuel costs. It has called for a temporary suspension of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which charges airlines for greenhouse gas emissions, and the abolition of aviation taxes. Additionally, A4E argues that statutory requirements for member states to maintain 90-day strategic oil reserves should be extended to include jet fuel.

The European Commission is expected to present a package of measures on April 22 to mitigate the impact of the Iran war on energy markets. It remains unclear whether these proposals will address the specific issue of jet fuel shortages.

(Reporting by Kate Abnett; writing by Ilona Wissenbach; editing by Ralf Banser. For any queries, please contact the editorial management at frankfurt.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com)