Europe’s smaller airports ‘under threat’ if fuel shortages trigger more cancellations

Jet fuel shortages caused by the Middle East crisis could shut some regional airports, the Airports Council of Europe has warned

The Airports Council of Europe said regional airports were the most exposed and faced an 'existential threat' if airlines cut capacity and raise fares.

Europe’s smaller airports may not survive if jet fuel shortages triggered by the Middle East crisis lead to widespread route cancellations, the industry’s trade body has warned.

Although airlines insist there are currently no supply problems within the normal four- to six-week horizon, the US-Israel war on Iran, and the effective closure of the strait of Hormuz have doubled the price of jet fuel, prompting some carriers to cancel flights.