By Reuters April 14, 2026, 6:29:07 PM IST (Published)
European airlines have asked the European Union to adopt emergency measures to address the fallout from the Iran war, including widespread airspace closures and growing fears of jet fuel shortages, a document seen by Reuters showed.
Industry group Airlines for Europe (A4E) asked the EU to introduce crisis responses such as EU-level monitoring of jet fuel supplies, a temporary suspension of the EU carbon market for aviation, and the removal of certain aviation taxes. A4E — whose members include Lufthansa, Air France-KLM and easyJet — also urged Brussels to consider joint EU purchasing of kerosene (jet fuel).
The aviation sector has been disrupted since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) banned European carriers from flying in the airspace of several Gulf countries, including the UAE and Qatar, until April 24. Closure of the Strait of Hormuz has intensified concerns about fuel deliveries; Airports Council International Europe warned last week that Europe could face a systemic jet fuel shortage within three weeks.
A4E requested the EU amend its legal requirement that countries hold 90 days of emergency oil reserves, noting the current rule does not specifically require jet fuel reserves. The document also sought clarification that airspace closures due to conflict and resulting operational impacts should qualify as justified non-use of airport slots.
The European Commission said it will propose a package of measures on April 22 to help cushion the Iran war’s effects on energy markets but has not confirmed whether the proposals will include specific steps on jet fuel.
