EASA Clears Path for US Jet A Fuel in EU Amid Middle East War Shortage Concerns

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the potential use of US-produced Jet A aviation fuel within the bloc, a move aimed at addressing prospective fuel shortages stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Currently, Europe, like most of the world, primarily utilizes Jet A-1 fuel. Jet A, which is manufactured in the United States, has a higher freezing point than Jet A-1, making it less suitable for extremely low temperatures encountered during extended long-haul flights. Despite this difference, EASA stated in its new recommendations that «A potential introduction of Jet A in Europe or in other parts of the world would not generate safety concerns provided that its introduction is properly managed.»

The decision comes as the conflict, particularly the US-Israeli war against Iran, has led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, causing a significant surge in aviation fuel prices and contributing to a global energy crisis. Numerous airlines, especially low-cost carriers, have already announced flight cancellations and have urged the EU to permit temporary fuel exemptions.

EASA's approval is conditional, however. The agency cautioned that integrating Jet A into a system historically reliant on Jet A-1 could introduce «operational» risks if both fuel types are used concurrently.