IATA and EASA Urge European Airlines to Use US Jet A Fuel Amid Middle East War Shortages

Two major international airline organizations have recommended that European airlines turn to US-made jet fuel to address soaring prices and tight supplies stemming from the US-Israel war with Iran.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) proposed broader acceptance of US-grade jet fuel to mitigate potential shortages linked to the conflict. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued safety guidance on introducing US supplies into the European market, including details on associated risks.

Jet fuel prices for the type most European airlines use have risen by half since the war started.

In a blog post, IATA's director of flight and technical operations, Stuart Fox, warned that continued fighting in the Middle East would soon lead to fuel shortages in some regions.

Commercial aviation relies on two main fuel types. Jet A-1 serves as the global standard for most international flights, while Jet A predominates in North America. Both are kerosene-based and similar, but Jet A-1 freezes at a lower temperature, allowing greater flexibility on long-haul and polar routes, Fox noted.

Gulf supplies of Jet A-1 have dwindled to a trickle since the crisis began, hitting Europe hard as it depends heavily on those imports. US shipments have offset some of the gap, but many American refineries cannot produce Jet A-1, capping the volume shipped across the Atlantic.

Fox wrote that prolonged Middle East war could strain European fuel supplies. "Using Jet A, which is produced at scale outside the Gulf, could be a practical way to help ease some pressure on existing supply chains," he said.

North American airlines use Jet A daily and reach cold areas like parts of Alaska through fuel additives, flight planning, and monitoring to stay within safe operating limits, he added.

EASA stated that introducing Jet A in Europe or elsewhere would pose no safety issues if managed properly. Without careful oversight, however, it could push aircraft beyond safe limits.

"These risks may be further exacerbated by inconsistent fuel grade availability across airports, increasing the likelihood of mixing fuel grade and associated assumption mismatches," EASA said.

IAG, owner of British Airways, reported on Friday no current fuel availability problems in its main markets but indicated potential issues if the war persists.