PARIS, April 18,(V7N) — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned governments to prepare “well-coordinated plans” in case jet-fuel rationing becomes necessary, citing risks from the ongoing Middle East war.  

IATA chief Willie Walsh described an International Energy Agency assessment that Europe could run out of aviation fuel in six weeks as “sobering.” He added: “By the end of May we could start to see some cancellations in Europe for lack of jet fuel. This is already happening in parts of Asia.”  

The shortages stem from Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since late February, disrupting global energy flows. Although Tehran announced Friday it would reopen the strait to commercial traffic, shipping companies remain cautious.  

Walsh’s statement, issued before Iran’s announcement, stressed the need for clear contingency planning. “It’s important that authorities have well-communicated and well-coordinated plans in place in case rationing becomes necessary,” he said.  

EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen told the Financial Times that flights could soon be cancelled, suggesting member states might share jet fuel to cushion the impact. However, EU spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said there was “no indication of systemic fuel shortages that would lead to widespread flight cancellations” at present.  

END/WD/RH