Asian Airlines Trim Schedules Due to Jet Fuel Shortages

Airlines across Asia are implementing drastic measures, including flight cancellations and carrying extra fuel, as the conflict in the Middle East severely constricts global jet fuel supplies. The disruption follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, a move that has effectively removed approximately 21% of the world's seaborne jet fuel from the market. Unlike previous energy shocks that primarily influenced pricing, the current crisis is creating physical shortages that are forcing carriers in Hong Kong and Singapore to rethink operational strategies.

"In my conversation with airlines, they are very concerned about what the future looks like, because we do not know when the war will end and we dont know when the supply chain, the feedstock, will come from the Gulf area," said Shukor Yusof, founder of aviation consultancy Endau Analytics.