Is the EU airline industry equipped to handle fuel shortages?

Context

The EU airline industry relies heavily on jet fuel imports, with supply chains vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions in key chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz. In April 2026, closure of this critical waterway triggered warnings of severe fuel shortages across European airports within weeks, threatening flight cancellations and holiday disruptions. The crisis exposed structural weaknesses in fuel stockpiling and supply diversification, raising questions about whether airlines and airports have adequate contingency plans for future supply shocks.