Walsh: fuel shortage could ground flights in Europe by end of May
IATA Director General Willie Walsh, in a statement issued on 17 April 2026, responded to an assessment by the International Energy Agency (IEA) warning of a possible jet fuel shortage. According to Walsh, this could lead to flight cancellations in Europe by the end of May, with similar disruptions already occurring in parts of Asia, he said.
Willie Walsh described the IEA's assessment of the risk of a jet fuel shortage as concerning. Based on IATA's own estimate, fuel availability problems could lead to flight cancellations in Europe as early as by the end of May, while similar restrictions are already occurring in parts of Asia, he said.
Walsh also added that, alongside seeking alternative fuel supply sources, it is necessary to have clearly communicated and mutually coordinated contingency plans in place in case fuel needs to be rationed — including arrangements for the release of airport slots.
- Date of statement
- 17 April 2026
- Author of statement
- Willie Walsh
- Role
- Director General, IATA
- Source of assessment
- IEA