by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 9:20 AM ET, Mon April 13, 2026
Canadian travellers eyeing Europe this summer are facing a new layer of uncertainty, as concerns grow over a potential jet fuel shortage tied to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The situation stems from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor through which roughly 40% of the world’s jet fuel passes, CTV News reports. Iran’s partial blockade of the route, coupled with rising geopolitical tensions involving the United States, has raised concerns about knock-on effects for global aviation.
Why Europe Is Particularly at Risk
The potential disruption is expected to hit Europe harder than other regions due to its reliance on imported jet fuel and exposure to global supply routes.
A significant portion of Europe’s aviation fuel is refined from crude oil shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. Any restriction along that corridor can quickly tighten supply across European markets.
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Unlike Canada and the U.S., where airlines benefit from closer access to domestic oil production and refining capacity, many European countries depend heavily on fuel imports from the Middle East.
Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) has warned that, if the situation persists, fuel shortages could begin to affect airport operations within weeks. That could force airlines to make difficult decisions about where to allocate limited fuel supply.
Uncertainty Already Influencing Booking Behaviour
Travel advisors say booking hesitancy is becoming more common. This comes at a time when demand for Europe had been surging, driven in part by Canadians shifting away from U.S. travel amid ongoing trade tensions.
While a full-scale fuel shortage has not materialized, industry experts say the ripple effects could still be significant.
If supply tightens, airlines may consolidate routes, prioritize major hubs and reduce service to secondary destinations, moves that could lead to delays, cancellations and tighter seat availability.
McKenzie McMillan of The Travel Group told CTV News that airlines may also pivot to smaller, more fuel-efficient aircraft, potentially increasing the risk of overbooked flights.
What Advisors Are Telling Clients
Despite the uncertainty, advisors aren’t telling clients to cancel, but they are adjusting their guidance.
Recommendations include:
* Book early: Prices are expected to rise if fuel costs increase
* Build in buffer time: Especially for connections or cruise departures
* Invest in insurance: Particularly trip interruption and cancellation coverage
Canadian Airlines: No Immediate Impact
For now, Canadian carriers say operations remain stable, and airlines in Canada say they do not foresee a jet fuel shortage.
As previously reported by TravelPulse Canada, carriers across the country have begun introducing fuel surcharges and modifying operations as oil prices climb.
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The WestJet Group said the disruption in global oil supply tied to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is driving up both oil and jet fuel prices - fuel that typically accounts for about 20% of an airline’s operating costs.
Airlines are taking a range of measures:
- WestJet introduced a temporary surcharge on certain bookings and is consolidating flights on lower-demand routes
- Air Canada Vacations added a fuel surcharge to select packages
- Porter Airlines and Flair Airlines have also implemented temporary fuel-related fees
- These changes mirror global trends. Airlines internationally are raising fees, cutting capacity and adjusting schedules as fuel prices surge
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