Italy Restricts Aviation Fuel Supplies at Select Airports Amid Shortages

Italy's Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) announced restrictions on aviation fuel supplies at several major airports on October 10, 2023, in response to nationwide shortages. The decision follows disruptions in fuel delivery chains, attributed to logistical issues and increased demand post-summer travel season.

Airlines operating at these airports must now adhere to rationed allocations to prevent total depletion of stocks.

The restrictions apply to key facilities such as Milan Linate, Venice Marco Polo, Bologna Guglielmo Marconi, and Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. According to @FirstSquawk, fuel providers are limited to supplying no more than 80% of normal daily volumes at these sites. This measure seeks to balance supply across the network and avoid disruptions at smaller regional airports.

Background to the shortages includes a combination of refinery maintenance delays and supply chain bottlenecks exacerbated by global energy market fluctuations. Italy relies heavily on imported refined products, with domestic production covering only about 60% of aviation needs. The situation has been monitored since early September, when initial warnings were issued to operators.

Airlines and passengers face potential delays and cancellations as carriers adjust schedules to accommodate fuel limits. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet, which operate extensively from affected airports, have reported challenges in refueling for both domestic and international flights.

Ground handling services are also impacted, with some airports prioritizing emergency and medical flights.

Stakeholders affected include over 50 million annual passengers at these hubs, as well as cargo operators handling time-sensitive shipments. The Italian government has coordinated with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to ensure compliance with safety standards during the restrictions.