1. EU Commission guidance and why it matters
On May 8, 2026, the European Commission published detailed guidelines for the EU transport and tourism sectors in response to ongoing fuel supply interruptions and blocked air and sea routes linked to the Middle East conflict. The guidance focuses on aviation risks, including the potential shortage of jet fuel (kerosene), and clarifies how existing EU passenger rights apply if flights are disrupted.
Context of the guidance
The guidelines come as experts warn that a continued conflict in the region and any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could interrupt fuel supplies. About 20 percent of European kerosene demand originates from Gulf states, so supply interruptions could affect summer travel plans if the situation persists.
Key players mentioned
The European Commission, together with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), issued advice: the Commission clarified legal obligations on passenger rights and fuel procurement, while EASA issued a safety information bulletin about safe jet fuel usage in Europe.
2. Passenger rights: what you are entitled to
The Commission reaffirmed that EU passenger rights remain fully in force. If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, you retain rights to reimbursement, rerouting, airport assistance, and—unless an airline proves an extraordinary circumstance—even financial compensation.
Reimbursement and alternative transport
- Reimbursement: Passengers affected by cancellations are entitled to a refund of the ticket price for the unused part of their journey.
- Alternative transport: If you prefer, airlines must offer rerouting to your final destination under comparable transport conditions at the earliest opportunity.
Airport assistance
- Meals and refreshments proportionate to waiting time.
- Hotel accommodation and transport between airport and accommodation when an overnight stay is necessary.
- Two free telephone calls, faxes, or emails.
Compensation and extraordinary circumstances
The Commission made an important legal point: airlines can be exempted from paying financial compensation only if they demonstrate that cancellations or delays were caused by extraordinary circumstances. The guidance specifies that high kerosene prices or rising fuel costs on their own do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances. However, genuine local fuel shortages—if proven—may be considered extraordinary.
In short: expensive fuel ≠ automatic exemption. Passengers maintain a right to compensation for short-notice cancellations unless the airline can prove an exceptional, demonstrable fuel supply problem.
Ticket transparency and fuel surcharges
The Commission emphasized transparency in ticket pricing: airlines must show the full price from the outset. Ticket prices cannot be retroactively increased by adding fuel surcharges after purchase. This protects consumers from surprise costs and upholds fair contract terms.
3. Obligations for airlines, airports and authorities
The guidance clarifies operational and legal responsibilities across the aviation sector: fuel procurement obligations, airport time slot rules, and public service obligations must be respected. Airlines and airports are expected to plan for continuity and safety while upholding passenger rights.
Fuel procurement and safety
The Commission underlined that airlines have obligations related to fuel procurement and safe operations. EASA issued a safety information bulletin to inform aviation and fuel-supply actors about safe jet fuel usage in Europe. While there is currently no concrete evidence of widespread shortages, stakeholders must monitor supplies closely and prioritize safety.
Airport slots and public service obligations
The guidance addresses airport slot management and public service obligations to preserve connectivity. Authorities are encouraged to coordinate to minimise disruption to essential routes while respecting legal frameworks that protect passenger entitlements.
Supply picture and reserve capacity
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Germany’s kerosene reserves | Approximately one million tons, able to provide short-term stabilisation |
| European dependence | About 20% of kerosene demand originates from Gulf states |
| Potential shortage window | Experts indicate shortages could begin in June or July 2026 if the conflict and Strait of Hormuz blockade continue |
| Current status | No concrete evidence of shortages at present, but risk exists |
4. Practical advice for travellers
If you are planning travel this summer, it helps to be prepared. Below are clear steps and tips to protect your rights and minimise stress if flights are disrupted.
Steps to take if your flight is cancelled or delayed
- Contact the airline immediately to ask for refund or rerouting options.
- Keep all documents: boarding passes, booking confirmations, receipts for expenses (meals, hotels, transport).
- Request written confirmation from the airline explaining the reason for the cancellation or delay.
- If denied compensation, ask the airline to specify the extraordinary circumstance relied upon and any evidence.
- If unresolved, keep records and consider filing a complaint with the national enforcement body in the EU country where the disruption occurred.
Practical booking tips
- Check airline communication channels and sign up for real-time notifications.
- Consider flexible fares or travel insurance that explicitly covers supplier insolvency and unexpected disruptions.
- Compare options from different carriers and consider alternative routes or airports if flexibility is important.
5. What to expect this summer — key takeaways
The Commission’s message is clear: EU passenger rights are robust and remain in force even in times of geopolitical uncertainty. Airlines cannot avoid compensation simply because fuel is more expensive. Only demonstrable, extraordinary fuel supply shortages may exempt carriers from financial compensation obligations.
Risk outlook
While there is no concrete evidence of immediate shortages, experts warn of possible kerosene shortages from June or July 2026 if the Iran conflict and any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continue. Authorities and industry actors—backed by reserves like those in Germany—are monitoring the situation.
Final tips and reassurance
Keep documentation, know your rights to reimbursement, rerouting, assistance and compensation, and expect transparent pricing without retroactive fuel surcharges. If you are affected, ask airlines for precise reasons and evidence if they claim extraordinary circumstances. The legal framework protects passengers: use it to claim your entitlements.
