Brussels Clears US Jet A Fuel for European Skies as Iran War Bites

The European Union has formally opened its airspace to American-grade jet fuel, a regulatory concession that underscores how deeply the Iran conflict has destabilised the continent's aviation supply chain ahead of the peak summer season.

In guidance issued by the European Commission and the EU Aviation Safety Agency, regulators confirmed there are no legal obstacles to using imported Jet A fuel, provided the switch is carefully managed across the supply chain. The move addresses a looming shortage of Jet A-1, the kerosene grade standard across Europe, after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz choked off Middle Eastern supply that normally meets around 30 per cent of EU jet fuel demand.

The distinction matters operationally. Jet A, used routinely across North America, has a higher freezing point than Jet A-1, and EASA has cautioned that confusion during a mixed-fuel transition could carry serious safety implications on long-haul flights over cold regions. The regulator stopped short of mandatory rules but urged airlines to review crew training, dispatch procedures and flight planning, while pressing airports to introduce clear grade markings.

The fuel squeeze is already reshaping schedules. Lufthansa has grounded around 20,000 flights and faces close to $2bn in additional fuel costs, while Transavia, SAS and Air France-KLM have trimmed capacity. IATA data points to European jet fuel prices more than doubling year on year. Better-hedged carriers including Ryanair and IAG have warned they are not immune, with both pressing governments for slot relief.

Brussels has signalled it may propose temporary changes to the slots regulation if conditions worsen, though it maintains that higher fuel prices alone do not justify waivers. For an industry already navigating ReFuelEU mandates, the episode has exposed Europe's enduring dependence on imported fossil energy.