Four international airports — including one that is a popular holiday destination for Brits — have been warned of jet fuel restrictions due to the ongoing global energy crisis. An aviation notice in Italy issued on Saturday warned that “due to limited fuel availability from Air BP Italia, refueling services for operators contractually linked to Air BP Italia may be subject to restrictions.”

The airports which will be impacted by the decision are Bologna, Milan Linate, Treviso and Venice. Italian news outlet ANSA reports that Air BP Italia, a branch of BP, has informed airlines that fuel supplies will be prioritised for medical, government, and long‑haul flights lasting over three hours. All other services could face limits on jet fuel availability until at least April 9.

Several European airports may face fuel shortages because the US-Israeli war on Iran has led Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.

The Strait of Hormuz — a crucial passage in the Persian Gulf that handles about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments — has been largely shut to vessels since the conflict involving Iran, the United States, Israel and several other countries erupted a month ago.

The disruption has sharply reduced the flow of crude and refined products — including jet fuel — into Europe, which relies heavily on Gulf supplies. As a result, jet fuel prices have surged, and analysts warn that if the conflict continues, some airports could begin experiencing supply constraints in the coming weeks.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Gulf states on Friday and Saturday in a bid to ensure continued access to crucial energy supplies amid the war in Iran. She said she would act “to guarantee Italy has access to the energy supply it needs.”

Danilo Recine, vice president of Italy’s pilot union ANPAC, told Sky TG24 that the situation should not lead to flight cancellations over the Easter weekend.

However, he warned that “the problem will become a reality” if no solution is found to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The spot price for physical Brent crude cargoes jumped to $141.36 on Thursday — the highest level seen since the 2008 financial crisis — according to data from S&P Global. This price reflects what buyers are currently willing to pay for Brent oil scheduled for delivery within the next 10 to 30 days.

Earlier this year, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that “in this age of war…our addiction to fossil fuels is destabilizing both the climate and global security”.