Ryanair CEO: Fuel disruptions possible in Europe by May–June

Irish airline Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has warned of potential aviation fuel shortages in May if the conflict in the Middle East continues.

O’Leary cautioned that the aviation industry could face a serious fuel deficit if military actions in the region are not halted, Caliber.Az reports, citing Sky News.

“Fuel suppliers are constantly looking at the market. We don't expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that, and the risk to supply will be eliminated,” O’Leary said.

He estimated that this could reduce the volumes necessary for the airline’s normal operations by 10–25%.

“If the war finishes by April and the Strait of Hormuz reopens, then there is almost no risk to supply,” he added.

Despite this, he said he doesn't expect to cancel any flights like some of Ryanair's competitors.

EasyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis has previously warned that European consumers should expect higher ticket prices towards the end of summer, when existing fuel hedges come to an end.

Oil prices have surged since the war in Iran broke out at the end of February due to Iran's block on tankers passing through a key shipping passage, the Strait of Hormuz.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov