Concerns about a possible shortage of jet fuel at Luxembourg Airport have reached the Chamber. In a parliamentary question addressed to the Minister for the Economy Lex Delles (DP) and the Minister for Mobility Yuriko Backes (DP), the ADR MP Michel Lemaire had asked whether passengers at Findel would still be able to travel ‘as usual’ this summer. The MP cites several warning signs. He points out that a NOTAM – a notice issued to airlines – has already been issued asking them to limit kerosene refuelling in Luxembourg as much as possible. He also mentions the first flight cancellations observed internationally, particularly in Australia and Germany, where Lufthansa is beginning to withdraw certain routes and aircraft from service.

In their joint statement published on Tuesday 26 May, Yuriko Backes and Lex Delles attempt to allay concerns. “At present, the government sees no concrete reason why operations at Luxembourg Airport should not be able to continue as normal over the summer,” they write. However, the government acknowledges in the same breath that “the situation is volatile” and announces the creation of a coordination group tasked with monitoring supply developments and preparing potential emergency measures. Luxair, for its part, had explained during April to have ‘substantial’ fuel coverage in place by 2026 through hedging arrangements.

The issue of temporarily switching to Jet-A, a fuel mainly used in the United States, is also on the table. Michel Lemaire wanted to know whether this alternative could help ease the strain on the European market. The government replied that “all options” are currently being examined to replace the shortfall in supplies from the Middle East.

Reminder of the rules in the event of cancellation

But Luxembourg is primarily passing the buck to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In early May, the Agency issued a bulletin reiterating that Jet-A is not banned in Europe, but that its use must remain strictly regulated due to technical characteristics that differ from those of Jet-A1, which is commonly used on the continent. The government also states that an aircraft may only use this fuel if it is explicitly listed in its flight manual and type certificate.

On the environmental front, the government has ruled out any suspension of obligations relating to SAF, the sustainable aviation fuel being phased in at European level. According to the government, there is no question of sacrificing the aviation sector’s decarbonisation strategy in order to respond to the current crisis. “Abandoning the SAF strategy will not free up more capacity for conventional fuels,” states the ministerial response.

Finally, regarding passengers’ rights in the event of a cancellation due to a fuel shortage, the government simply reiterates the existing European rules: a refund of the ticket within seven days or an offer of an alternative flight from the airline.