Airlines may be forced to cancel flights within six weeks if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed, according to the trade association BARIN. Chairman Marnix Fruitema warns that Dutch carriers will be affected, with long-haul intercontinental flights likely to be cut first to save fuel. While there is currently no shortage at Schiphol airport, Fruitema believes conservation measures will become necessary if Iran continues to block the vital shipping route.
Countries in Southeast Asia are particularly at risk as they rely heavily on Middle Eastern fuel supplies. Because of this, fewer flights are expected to depart from Europe to Asian destinations. Airlines are likely to prioritise shorter European routes over long-haul flights lasting eleven to thirteen hours. Some countries, such as Vietnam, have already started reducing their flight schedules as fuel supplies begin to dry up.
Airlines are already preparing for potential disruption. Although KLM currently reports no immediate shortage, the CEO of Air France-KLM previously confirmed that plans are being made for fuel gaps in Asia. Meanwhile, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has warned that fuel deliveries to Europe could be disrupted as early as May. Some Asian countries are even buying up European fuel stocks to secure their own supplies, which could impact smaller airports across Europe and the UK.
Despite these warnings, holiday companies like Sunweb and Corendon have not yet taken any precautionary steps. The travel association ANVR noted that firms are currently more focused on rebooking passengers affected by the initial conflict. While experts believe major hubs like Schiphol are safe for now, smaller regional airports may soon have to struggle to find alternative sources of aviation fuel.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
