Aviation operators at four major Italian airports are facing unexpected fuel constraints, prompting some pilots to carry extra fuel from previous stops to avoid grounding. Notices issued to aircrews indicate that carburante a rischio per i voli has led to the first wave of tangible limitations at Milan Linate, Venice Marco Polo, Treviso, and Bologna airports.
The restrictions, detailed in “Notam” (Notice to Air Missions) bulletins, signal a move toward a controlled management of Jet A1 fuel volumes. While airport managers insist that overall operations remain stable, the limits target specific supply chains, forcing some carriers to seek alternative providers or adjust their flight planning to ensure safety margins.
The current tension is widely viewed as a ripple effect of the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East. Since late February, a near-total blockage of the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoint—has disrupted the flow of tankers carrying crude and refined products from the Persian Gulf to European refineries.
Specific limitations across Italian hubs
The impact varies by location, with some airports implementing strict caps on fuel loads for short-haul flights. In Venice, Treviso, and Bologna, the priority for refueling has been shifted to emergency medical flights, state aircraft, and long-haul flights exceeding three hours of duration.
For all other operators, a maximum limit of 2,000 liters per aircraft has been imposed. While this may sound substantial, aviation experts note that for a standard Airbus A320 or Boeing 737—the workhorses of European low-cost carriers—2,000 liters represents less than one hour of flight time. This restriction effectively prevents a direct flight from Venice to Sicily without supplementary refueling elsewhere.
| Airport | Status | Primary Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Milan Linate | Reduced Availability | Restrictions for Air BP Italia contracted operators |
| Venice Marco Polo | Limited Availability | 2,000L cap for flights under 3 hours |
| Bologna | Limited Availability | 2,000L cap for flights under 3 hours |
| Treviso | Limited Availability | 2,000L cap for flights under 3 hours |
At Milan Linate, the situation is slightly different. The Notam specifies a “reduced availability” of Jet A1 fuel provided by Air BP Italia from April 4 through late evening on April 9. Carriers contracted with this specific supplier have been warned that refueling services may be subject to restrictions, though sources indicate that airlines can mitigate this by utilizing other fuel providers available at the hub.
The supply chain bottleneck
The current shortage appears to be isolated to a single major provider, Air BP Italia, rather than a systemic collapse of fuel reserves across Italy. Other primary suppliers, including Shell Aviation, TotalEnergies Aviation, and Eni, continue to operate without reported Notam restrictions.
The Save Group, which manages the airports in Venice, Treviso, and Verona, has sought to downplay the severity of the situation. In a statement, the group emphasized that the limitations are not significant and are confined to one supplier. They guaranteed that intercontinental flights and those within the Schengen area remain fully operational, urging against “alarmism.”
Despite these assurances, the timing is precarious. The last tanker carrying kerosene from the Persian Gulf is expected to arrive in Europe around April 9, creating a narrow window of stability before the broader impact of the Hormuz blockage is felt across the continent.
Industry response and future risks
Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, has taken a cautious stance. The airline stated that while they do not anticipate immediate shortages, the situation remains fluid. According to the carrier, current supplies are guaranteed through mid-to-late May.
However, the airline warned that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz into June could introduce genuine risks to fuel supplies at various European airports. The company’s outlook suggests that the stability of the aviation sector in the coming weeks depends entirely on the resolution of the conflict between Iran and the coalition of the United States and Israel.
For passengers, these measures are largely invisible, handled through “tankering”—the practice of carrying more fuel than necessary for a single leg to avoid refueling at a restricted or expensive destination. However, tankering increases the aircraft’s weight, which can slightly increase carbon emissions and fuel burn.
To provide further context on the geopolitical tensions driving these shortages, the following analysis explores the strategic importance of the Persian Gulf transit routes.
The next critical checkpoint for the industry will be the arrival and processing of the final Gulf tankers this week. Aviation authorities and fuel suppliers are expected to update Notam bulletins by April 11, which will indicate whether the “controlled management” of fuel volumes will be extended or lifted as new shipments enter the European market.
We invite our readers to share their experiences with recent flight disruptions or fuel-related delays in the comments below.
