The European Union Aviation Safety Agency on Friday cleared the way for the potential use of U.S.-produced aviation fuel across Europe as the continent grapples with mounting concerns over fuel shortages linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The agency said the possible introduction of Jet A into European markets would not pose safety risks if managed under appropriate operational procedures.
Europe has historically relied almost exclusively on Jet A-1, the dominant aviation fuel used worldwide. By contrast, Jet A, commonly used in the United States, has not previously been adopted on a large scale within the European Union.
The regulatory move comes as global aviation markets face severe pressure following the effective disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy exports.
The ongoing U.S.-Israeli military confrontation with Iran has triggered a sharp surge in jet fuel prices, intensifying fears of supply shortages across Europe and other regions dependent on imported energy products.
Several airlines, particularly low-cost carriers, have already announced flight cancellations amid rising fuel costs, while others have urged European authorities to authorize temporary flexibility regarding fuel specifications.
In its recommendations, the European regulator emphasized that introducing Jet A into a system historically designed around Jet A-1 could create operational complications if the two fuel types are improperly mixed or managed.
One of the main technical concerns involves Jet A’s higher freezing point compared with Jet A-1, making it less suitable for extremely cold conditions typically encountered during long-haul international flights.
Despite those limitations, aviation experts say the agency’s decision reflects the growing urgency among European policymakers to secure alternative fuel supplies and stabilize airline operations as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt global energy markets.
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