Italy Implements Emergency Jet Fuel Rationing at Four Major Airports Amid Persian Gulf Supply Crisis

Major Italian airports limit fuel for short-haul flights as the Iran conflict blocks Persian Gulf supplies. Long-haul and medical flights receive priority.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 6, 2026, 10:24 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Euronews

Strategic Hubs Face Operational Restrictions

A critical shortage of aviation fuel has forced the implementation of emergency rationing at four of Italy's strategic transport hubs: Milan Linate, Bologna, Venice, and Treviso. According to Air Bp Italia, the specialized aviation division of the British Petroleum group, these measures are necessary to preserve dwindling reserves for essential services. The restrictions are currently slated to remain in effect through April 9, marking a significant disruption to one of Europe's busiest regional aviation corridors during the high-traffic spring season.

Prioritization of Long-Haul and Emergency Services

Under the official notices distributed to airport operators, specific categories of air traffic have been granted protected status to ensure vital connectivity. Priority for refueling is being strictly allocated to medical ambulance flights, state-operated aircraft, and long-haul commercial flights with a duration exceeding three hours. This hierarchy is designed to maintain intercontinental links and life-saving services while shifting the burden of the fuel deficit onto regional and domestic short-haul operations.

Technical Constraints on Short-Haul Autonomy

For aircraft not meeting the priority criteria, a supply ceiling of 2,000 liters per aircraft has been imposed, creating significant logistical hurdles for popular narrow-body jets. While 2,000 liters may seem substantial to the layperson, technical data provided by pilots indicates this amount provides less than one hour of flight autonomy for standard Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 aircraft. Without the ability to "tanker" fuel from external airports, these restrictions effectively render many direct domestic routes, such as those between the Veneto region and Sicily, impossible to complete.