IATA: European flights may begin to experience large-scale groundings as early as the end of next month, and countries need to coordinate responses.

The International Air Transport Association is urging governments worldwide to swiftly formulate coordinated and comprehensive response plans to reduce the impact on flight operations. According to a report from Lianhe Zaobao, IATA Director General Willie Walsh pointed out on Friday that the International Energy Agency had previously assessed that Europe could begin to face tighter aviation fuel supplies within about six weeks, a warning that deserves serious attention. Walsh stated: “Based on the current situation, Europe could begin to cancel flights as early as the end of May due to aviation fuel shortages, and some regions in Asia are already experiencing similar circumstances.” Prior to Iran’s announcement of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Walsh emphasized that if aviation fuel shortages occur, governments must establish smooth communication and orderly emergency coordination mechanisms in advance, to prevent the launch of fuel rationing measures from affecting aviation transport operations. European Union Energy Commissioner Jørgensen also admitted in his interview with the Financial Times that risks to aviation fuel supply are rising and flights may soon be affected. He suggested that EU member states should share fuel inventories to buffer against the potential impacts of a prolonged crisis. However, European Commission spokesperson Itkonen said there is currently no sign of a systemic shortage in aviation fuel supply that would be sufficient to cause large-scale flight cancellations.