European airports have warned of a potential systemic jet fuel shortage if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen within the next three weeks, raising concerns ahead of the peak summer travel season. The trade body representing more than six hundred airports said disruptions to supplies from the Middle East could significantly affect flight operations across the European Union.

The warning comes after Iran effectively closed the key shipping route during its conflict with Israel and the United States, leading to soaring jet fuel prices and supply uncertainty. Industry leaders have cautioned that a prolonged disruption could put up to a quarter of some airlines' fuel supplies at risk and lead to flight disruptions in the coming months.

The organisation has urged the European Commission to closely monitor jet fuel supplies over the next six months, boost domestic refining capacity and consider temporarily lifting restrictions that limit imports. Analysts say airlines are likely to continue passing higher fuel costs on to passengers as global trade remains strained and prices take time to stabilise.