The air travel landscape is shifting, and not for the better. As of April 17, 2026, Jet2 has issued warnings to its passengers regarding potential flight delays. The cause? A strike by Spanish Air Traffic Control, which is set to commence on the same day, compounding an already precarious situation regarding jet fuel availability.
But that’s not all. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has severely impacted jet fuel supplies across Europe. In fact, Europe currently has only about six weeks of jet fuel remaining. This alarming statistic comes from various sources, including the International Energy Agency, which has cautioned that flight cancellations could soon become a harsh reality if oil supplies remain constrained.
As airlines grapple with these challenges, several have already begun to feel the pinch. Lufthansa has grounded up to 27 planes due to soaring kerosene prices—a situation exacerbated by labor disputes and geopolitical tensions. Similarly, KLM has scrapped 160 flights over the next month for the same reasons. EasyJet recently reported a staggering £25 million loss attributed to soaring jet fuel prices last month alone.
This context matters because it illustrates a broader trend affecting not just one airline but the entire aviation industry. With rising kerosene costs—more than double compared to pre-conflict levels—airlines are being forced to adapt quickly or face severe operational disruptions. Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s boss, highlighted this risk by stating there is a reasonable chance that 10% to 25% of supplies might be at risk through May and June.
Jet2 has advised passengers to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure times due to potential delays—an indication of how serious this situation has become. They’ve also emphasized that check-in closes just 40 minutes before departure, adding another layer of urgency for travelers already facing uncertainty.
In contrast, TUI claims it is monitoring the situation closely and does not anticipate immediate disruption. Yet, can any airline truly guarantee stability in such turbulent times? As stated by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, if passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not stabilize soon, a systemic jet fuel shortage could soon become a reality for the EU.
Details remain unconfirmed about how long the Spanish Air Traffic Control strike will last or its full impact on flight schedules across Europe. However, one thing is clear: travelers should stay informed and prepare for possible disruptions as airlines navigate these treacherous waters.