Middle East conflict turns Istanbul into refuelling hub for aircraft

Restrictions on fuel supplies in several European and Asian countries due to the conflict in the Middle East have pushed airlines to use Istanbul as a refuelling hub for aircraft, the business newspaper Ekonomim reports.

According to industry sources cited by the publication, some aircraft are now landing in Istanbul solely for refuelling purposes, even when the city is not their destination. The newspaper noted Türkiye does not impose restrictions on aviation fuel supply.

Experts said that fuel limitations at European airports are disrupting the logistical balance of medium-haul routes. For example, calculations based on an Istanbul–London flight operated by an Airbus A321neo show that while the aircraft is initially loaded with about 9 tons of fuel for a one-way trip, an additional 8 tons is taken on board for the return flight. This leads to an excess fuel usage of nearly 1 ton. 

In addition, to maintain balance and aircraft weight requirements, there may be operational needs to leave part of the baggage at the departure point and restrict the sale of some passenger seats.

The publication also added that the Middle East crisis has led to the cancellation of more than 70,000 flights and the closure of major airports across the region. Tourism losses in the Middle East could reach $55 billion, while international arrivals are expected to fall by around 30% by the end of the year, the newspaper concluded.

By Jeyhun Aghazada