Spanish minister proposes fuel soluition to avert EU flight cancellations
With summer travel already under pressure across Europe, a new proposal from Spain is aiming to stop the aviation industry from running out of fuel.
Concerns have been mounting in recent days that European airlines could be just weeks away from serious disruption, with warnings that jet fuel supplies may fall to emergency levels by the end of May.
The situation has been driven by a combination of global instability, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and renewed pressure on energy markets following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
A new proposal from Spain is aiming to stop the aviation industry from running out of fuel. Pic: Getty Images
Some in the airline industry have warned that the potential fallout could eclipse even the disruption seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, with suggestions that governments may be forced to prioritise essential travel if shortages worsen.
In response, Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Sara Aagesen has proposed a major EU-wide intervention aimed at keeping planes in the sky during the peak holiday season.
Her plan would see the European Union coordinate a shared purchasing system for jet fuel, effectively pooling demand to secure supplies and distribute them more efficiently across member states.
Concerns have been mounting in recent days that European airlines could be just weeks away from serious disruption Pic: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
The proposal is aimed at preventing individual countries and airlines from competing against each other in an increasingly tight global market.
Aagesen has also called for Europe to increase imports from alternative suppliers, including the United States and Nigeria, in an effort to reduce reliance on regions affected by the current instability.
Spain, which relies heavily on tourism as a pillar of its economy, has already reportedly increased refinery output by 60% and signalled its willingness to show ‘solidarity’ with other EU countries if a coordinated response is agreed.
Spain relies heavily on tourism as a pillar of its economy, Pic: Getty Images
Tourism accounts for around 13% of Spain’s GDP, with the country welcoming a record 97 million visitors in 2025.
Despite growing concern across the sector, there have so far been no confirmed flight cancellations affecting Irish airports.
However, airlines operating out of Dublin, Cork, and Shannon, including Ryanair and Aer Lingus, are expected to be closely monitoring developments in the coming days as the situation in the Gulf continues to evolve.
For now, the industry is watching and waiting, but with summer travel fast approaching, pressure is building on European leaders to act before any potential fuel crunch turns into full-scale disruption.
