The ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran is starting to affect global aviation fuel supplies. European airlines are now exploring alternative fuel options as pressure builds across international supply chains. Industry groups and regulators believe US-grade jet fuel could help reduce the risk of shortages in Europe.
The International Air Transport Association recently said wider use of US-grade fuel may help stabilize supply if the conflict continues. At the same time, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency released safety guidance explaining how Europe can safely introduce American fuel into the market.
European Union officials also confirmed that current rules do not block airlines from using US-grade fuel. Airlines only need to follow proper safety procedures across the supply chain.
Fuel Prices and Supply Pressure
Jet fuel prices in Europe have climbed sharply since the conflict began. The cost of Jet A-1 fuel, which most European airlines use, has risen by nearly 50%.
Europe depends heavily on fuel imports from the Gulf region. Since the crisis started, supplies of Jet A-1 from that area have slowed significantly. As a result, airlines and fuel suppliers have started looking toward the United States for additional shipments.
Some US refineries already supply fuel to Europe. Still, many facilities mainly produce Jet A instead of Jet A-1. That limits the amount of Jet A-1 available for export.
Stuart Fox, director of flight and technical operations at the International Air Transport Association, warned that shortages could spread if the war continues.
He wrote, “If the conflict in the Middle East continues, it won’t be long before we see fuel shortages in some parts of the world.”
The Difference Between Jet A and Jet A-1
Commercial airlines mainly use two fuel types: Jet A and Jet A-1. Both fuels come from kerosene and work in similar ways. Still, one technical difference affects how airlines use them.
Jet A-1 has a lower freezing point than Jet A. Because of that, airlines prefer Jet A-1 for long-haul flights and routes near polar regions.
Jet A is common across North America. Fox explained that North American airlines safely operate with Jet A every day, even in very cold regions like Alaska.
He said airlines use fuel additives and closely monitor flights to maintain safe operating conditions.
Fox also noted that Jet A production takes place on a large scale outside the Gulf region. That could help Europe reduce pressure on current fuel supplies.
Regulators Focus on Safety
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said Europe can safely introduce Jet A if airlines and suppliers manage the process carefully.
In its safety bulletin, the agency stated, “A potential introduction of Jet A in Europe or in other parts of the world would not generate safety concerns provided that its introduction is properly managed.”
EASA also warned about possible operational risks. The agency said inconsistent fuel availability between airports could create confusion about fuel grades. That issue could push aircraft outside approved operating limits.
Later, the European Union repeated the same message. Officials stated, “There is no regulatory obligation mandating the use of either fuel grade.”
The EU also said, “There are also no regulatory obstacles to the use of Jet A fuel imported to Europe provided its use is properly managed and communicated throughout the fuel supply chain to ensure highest standards of safe operation.”
Airlines Continue Monitoring the Situation
Major airline groups continue monitoring the conflict and fuel market conditions. International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways, said it currently faces no fuel supply issues in its major markets.
Still, the company acknowledged the risks tied to a prolonged conflict.
It stated, “If the current conflict continues to restrict flows of both crude oil and jet fuel from the Middle East, there is the potential for supplies of jet fuel to be restricted on a global basis.”
Europe’s aviation industry is preparing for possible fuel supply pressure as tensions continue in the Middle East. Regulators and airline groups now see US-grade Jet A as a practical backup option.
Jet A-1 remains the preferred fuel for international aviation. Still, Europe may expand fuel flexibility to protect airline operations and maintain safety standards during ongoing global uncertainty.