Air bp Italia has imposed refueling restrictions at four northern Italian airports due to limited Jet A1 fuel supplies. The affected airports are Milan Linate (LIN), Bologna (BLQ), Treviso (TSF), and Venice Marco Polo (VCE), with measures in place until at least April 9.
Priority for fuel allocation goes to air ambulance flights, state flights, and commercial flights lasting more than three hours. Other short-haul flights face limits, such as a maximum of 2,000 liters per aircraft at Venice, Bologna, and Treviso, enough for less than an hour on typical narrowbody jets like Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s. Pilots at Venice are advised to carry sufficient fuel from prior stops.
ENAC director Pierluigi Di Palma told ANSA the restrictions stem from Easter demand peaks, though industry sources link them to logistical issues and the Strait of Hormuz blockade disrupting Gulf oil shipments. The last tanker from the Persian Gulf is due in Europe on April 9.
Airport operator Save SpA stated operations remain secure for intercontinental and Schengen flights, with other suppliers unaffected. Italy holds about seven months of reserves, but broader European risks loom if disruptions persist.
In the UK, jet fuel stocks may last five to six weeks without Gulf supplies. Ryanair CEO Michael OLeary highlighted the vulnerability, while Lufthansa considers grounding up to 20 aircraft. Airlines including Air New Zealand, SAS, United, and Vietnam Airlines have cut flights amid fuel uncertainty and price surges over 100% in some markets.