Four key Italian airports, including a top holiday destination, confront jet fuel restrictions as the global energy crisis intensifies.
Aviation authorities issued a notice on Saturday citing limited fuel supplies from Air BP Italia. Operators tied to the supplier may encounter refueling constraints.
Impacted Airports and Priority Rules
The affected sites are Bologna, Milan Linate, Treviso, and Venice. Air BP Italia, part of BP, directs supplies first to medical flights, government operations, and long-haul routes exceeding three hours. Remaining services face potential shortages until at least April 9.
Strait of Hormuz Closure Fuels Shortages
Europe-wide airport fuel risks stem from Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict with the United States, Israel, and allied forces. This Persian Gulf chokepoint transports one-fifth of worldwide oil and gas.
The month-long shutdown slashes crude oil and refined products, including jet fuel, reaching Europe. Prices have spiked, with analysts forecasting constraints at select airports if tensions persist.
Government Action on Energy Security
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni toured Gulf nations Friday and Saturday to safeguard vital energy flows. She pledged to “guarantee Italy has access to the energy supply it needs.”
Warnings from Aviation Experts
Danilo Recine, vice president of Italy’s ANPAC pilots’ union, assured Sky TG24 that Easter weekend flights remain unaffected. Yet he warned that “the problem will become a reality” absent a fix for the Strait blockade.
Brent crude spot prices hit $141.36 Thursday, the loftiest since 2008, based on S&P Global figures for near-term deliveries.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres earlier noted that “in this age of war…our addiction to fossil fuels is destabilizing both the climate and global security.”
