Measure affects 4 terminals in the country; Strait of Hormuz closure limits global oil supply
Italy is facing restrictions on refueling planes at 4 airports — Bologna, Milan Linate, Treviso and Venice — due to limited fuel supplied by Air BP Italia. The measure was communicated to airlines on Saturday (April 4, 2026) and raised alarm in the sector, in a scenario of pressure on the airline.
According to the news agency the company, which is part of the British group BP, informed that it will give priority to ambulance flights, state flights and operations lasting more than 3 hours. The remaining flights will have limited fuel distribution until at least April 9th.
The restriction takes place in a context of , with the impact of the almost total blockage of , a strategic route for oil transport in the Gulf, in the context of . Although supply is mainly directed to Asia and the United States, the reduction in supply also affects Europe.
The president of Enac (Italian National Civil Aviation Authority), Pierluigi Di Palma, told the agency that the current difficulty is linked to the increase in air traffic during the Easter period, and not directly to the blockade of Hormuz. He said that if the conflict prolongs, there will be consequences for supplies, but said he sees diplomatic negotiations underway.
According to the digital newspaper the restriction affects operators contractually linked to Air BP Italia and may extend to other European airports. Terminals such as London’s Heathrow have already seen fuel-related outages, and hubs in France and Portugal are also considered vulnerable.
Pressure on supplies led the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Melonito address energy security. The trip aimed to ensure Italy’s access to strategic energy sources at a time of instability in global supplies.
The Save group, responsible for Venice and Treviso airports, reported that the impact is limited because there are other suppliers operating in the terminals. At airports such as Perugia and those in the Puglia region, the situation is considered normal, with stocks available.
Still, the market already incorporates the risk of broader shortages. Ryanair stated that there is no shortage of fuel in the short term and that its suppliers can guarantee supplies until mid-May. The company, however, said it does not rule out problems if the conflict continues until June. Lufthansa reported specific difficulties at Asian airports and indicated that the evolution of the conflict will be decisive.
Data from Iata (International Air Transport Association) show that Europe imports around 30% of the fuel used in aviation, which increases vulnerability to external shocks, especially after the closure of refineries on the continent in recent years.
Limited supply could put pressure on the sector in the European summer season, with the risk of an increase in ticket prices and the need for adjustments to the airline network. Companies specializing in passenger rights indicate that possible cancellations due to lack of fuel can be classified as exceptional circumstances, which eliminates the right to financial compensation.
