Airports in Northern Italy Introduce Restrictions Amid Fuel Crisis

Euronewsreports, that 4 airports in the North of Italy have introduced restrictions on refueling, now giving jet fuel priority to medical and long-haul flights, the reason being the jump in fuel prices as a result of the Iran war.

It is reported that because of the current volatility in fuel prices, 4 Italian airports located in the north of the country — Milan Linate, Bologna, Venice and Treviso, which bear critical importance for Italy’s tourism and logistics — have imposed restrictions on refueling. The goal is to save fuel and other reserves for critical flights, such as the state, long or medical ones. The remaining aircraft can expect no more than 2000 litres of fuel, which equals to around less than one hour of flight for models such as Boeing 737. As of now, these measures will reportedly remain in place until 9thof April.

At the same time, the Save Group which manages airports of Venice and Treviso, stated that this situation was caused by issues on the side of one of the suppliers, which is not the only one that collaborates with the group. Save Group also added that intercontinental and the Schengen area flights do not fall under this limit and will continue to operate normally. The restriction might deny service to domestic flights from North to South of Italy and vice versa. It is reported that the last kerosene tanker will arrive in Europe on 9thof April, which presents uncertainty and risks in the near future.

Though official statements do not mention this directly, it is believed that the cause of such problems and measures to solve them lie in the current tensions in the Middle East, with the main factor contributing to the logistical instability being the blockade of Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant part of oil and related supplies pass. Companies are monitoring the situation. Some, such as Ryanair, are considering the cancellation of some flights in the summer if the war against Iran drags on.