by InTrieste
As jet fuel shortages force rationing measures at several major airports across northern Italy, attention is turning to Friuli Venezia Giulia, where officials are closely monitoring the situation but say operations at Trieste Airport remain unaffected for now.
The growing disruption follows continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, after the recent escalation of tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. With roughly 20 percent of global oil supplies passing through the strait, even partial disruption has sent fuel prices soaring and placed significant pressure on Europe’s aviation industry.
In recent days, Air BP Italia, the local subsidiary of the British energy company BP, introduced jet fuel rationing at four airports in northern Italy: Milan Linate, Bologna, Treviso and Venice Marco Polo.
Under the temporary restrictions, aircraft are limited to a maximum refueling uplift of 2,000 liters — less than one hour of fuel for commonly used narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Priority is being given to emergency services, medical transport, government flights and commercial routes longer than three hours.
The move was designed to preserve fuel supplies for essential services and avoid more severe disruptions during the Easter holiday travel period.
For Friuli Venezia Giulia, the question is whether the same restrictions could eventually reach Trieste Airport, the region’s main air hub, which handles regular flights to destinations including London, Munich and Rome.
So far, airport authorities have not confirmed any similar rationing measures, and flights continue to operate normally.
Still, the wider European aviation market is already feeling the effects of the fuel crisis. Lufthansa announced this week that it would cut 20,000 short-haul European flights over the summer, citing rising fuel costs and broader operational pressures. Other airlines have also begun raising fares and adding surcharges to offset the sharp increase in expenses.
At the beginning of April, benchmark European jet fuel prices reached a record $1,838 per tonne, compared with around $831 before the conflict escalated.
“It’s a triple whammy for airlines at the moment,” Tim Jeans, a former commercial director at Ryanair, told British media, referring to rising fuel costs, operational uncertainty and weakening consumer confidence.
For travelers in Friuli Venezia Giulia, particularly those planning summer holidays or business trips abroad, the concern is whether higher fares or schedule changes could follow.
Industry experts say there is no immediate reason for alarm and that most summer travel plans are expected to proceed, though likely at a higher cost.
The region’s strategic location, with Trieste serving as a gateway between Italy and Central Europe, makes the airport particularly important for both tourism and business travel. Any prolonged fuel disruption could have wider implications for the local economy, especially during the busy summer season.
For now, however, Trieste remains outside the rationing zone.
