The concern of airlines grows over the energy crisis derived from the war in Iran and the aviation fuel deficit that it brings with it.
Thus, they are working on emergency plans with fewer flights and connections in case the kerosene runs out.
The airline Ryanair advanced the possibility of cuts and the conflict lengthens and Volotea has already canceled several flights for the upcoming dates.
Furthermore, the oil company BP in Italy has distributed a note in which it warns of kerosene restrictions, which has activated alarms in the airfields of Milan Linate, Bologna, Treviso and Venice.
The conflict in the Middle East adds to the growing reduction of kerosene reserves in Europe due to the closure of refineries, the regulations that promote the use of biofuels and the sanctions on Russia.
It is estimated that half of the aviation fuel in European airports comes from refineries in the conflict zone. The rest comes from the United States and West Africa.
The energy analysis company Vortexa has published that kerosene imports into Europe fell to 420,000 barrels per day in early April, 40% less than at the end of March.
In Italy, where the first restrictions have been announced, the Corriere della Sera publishes that half of the aviation fuel used in Italy is imported, while in Spain and Portugal it reaches 70%.
According to El Mundo newspaper, if the kerosene shortage consolidates, there are four action scenarios: one for operational adjustments, another for moderate rationing and, finally, for crisis management and total emergency.
The first scenario, the most probable, would require suspending flights that had an occupation below 75% and modifying routes to save fuel. With the second scenario, less probable, the rationing would lead to the elimination of flights of less than 500 kilometers when a railway alternative exists.
