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Sinne na Daoine Media
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Hundreds of flights across Europe are being cancelled or scaled back as a severe jet fuel shortage, triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, threatens to disrupt summer travel for Irish holidaymakers.
Europe now has just six weeks of jet fuel reserves remaining, according to Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency. He has described the situation as “the largest energy crisis we have ever faced”, warning that further cancellations could follow soon if supplies through the Strait of Hormuz stay restricted.
Major airlines have already acted. SAS has axed around 1,000 flights in April, United Airlines plans to cut five per cent of services in the second and third quarters, while KLM has cancelled 160 flights for the coming month. Cathay Pacific and its budget arm HK Express are reducing two per cent and six per cent of flights respectively.
Lufthansa is grounding 27 short-haul planes earlier than planned, and carriers including Air New Zealand, Norse Atlantic and Vietnam Airlines are also trimming schedules.
In Ireland, the impact is being felt keenly. As an island nation where 90 per cent of visitors arrive by air, we are “significantly exposed” to jet fuel risks, experts warn. Aer Lingus has already cancelled or rescheduled more than 500 flights this summer, about two per cent of its schedule, citing mandatory aircraft maintenance, though the timing has raised questions amid the wider crisis.
Ryanair says its fuel supplies are secure until next month but has warned of potential risks if the conflict continues.
EasyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis sought to reassure passengers, saying the airline has visibility until mid-May and “no concerns” at present. However, the Middle East conflict added roughly £25 million (€28.7 million) in extra fuel costs last month alone, contributing to an expected pre-tax loss of £540–560 million for the half-year.
The Irish Government is engaging with the EU on possible measures to ease pressure, including a temporary cut in duties on sustainable aviation fuel from the United States.
Passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines as further disruption cannot be ruled out ahead of the busy summer season.
This article was originally published by SnDMedia.
