Europe's airlines brace for jet fuel crunch as Iran war disrupts supplies

Europe's airlines are bracing for turbulence ahead of the usually busy and lucrative summer season, as the U.S. war on Iran chokes off energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Jet fuel has more than doubled in price since the war began and is increasingly in short supply. The International Energy Agency has warned that Europe could see jet fuel shortages in just a matter of weeks, fueling anxiety among travelers.

"We almost canceled our flight, because I was afraid we couldn't get back from Sri Lanka to Belgium," said one traveler.

"We also travel to Sicily in September, so we hope that that flight is going to continue," another said.

"The costs are higher, so that's a burden," said a third.

The uncertainty is also forcing airlines into drastic short-term planning. Lufthansa has announced it is preemptively grounding roughly 20,000 short-haul flights this summer to cut costs, and RyanAir's CEO says some European airlines could go bust if jet fuel prices remain sky high.

While some operators have seen a 20-percent drop in bookings over the past two months, there is still robust demand for summer travel, according to travel experts, though preferred destinations may change.

"The question will be which destinations will lose which destinations will win, what kind of holiday will people prefer this year. Shorter holidays? Maybe more local?" said Eric Dresin, Secretary General of the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Associations.

The European Commission has pledged a coordinated response to ensure fuel supplies continue to flow. However, analysts said that even if the war comes to a sudden stop, jet fuel prices are unlikely to fall immediately.

"It might take eight months for the market to get back to the old equilibrium and so this type of situation is likely to carry on for some time," said Jamie Shea, a senior fellow at Friends of Europe, an independent not-for-profit Brussels-based think tank.

Spain's tourism minister has urged people to book flights early to avoid potential price surges later in the summer.

The aviation sector contributes more than 120 billion dollars annually to the European economy. Analysts fear that persistent fuel disruptions could have a significant impact on the financial health of airlines, airports and regions heavily reliant on tourism dollars.

Europe's airlines brace for jet fuel crunch as Iran war disrupts supplies

As the five-day May Day Holiday continues, the ongoing Shanghai International Flower Show is taking place not only in botanical gardens but also in major shopping centers and commercial districts across the city, enhancing the experiences of shoppers and visitors and fostering emotional resonance.

In Pudong, eight shopping malls have joined forces to create a "flower district," with artful floral installations displayed along sidewalks and storefronts. The flowers have been carefully integrated with individual shops and urban spaces, creating immersive designs tailored for each location.

"We designed nearly 40 floral displays, each themed to match the brands involved. For example, this Thai restaurant features Southeast Asian plants to highlight its identity," said Ye Zhenjing, deputy general manager of Shanghai Lujiazui Commercial Management Co., Ltd.

All around, playful flower sculptures have become selfie hotspots for shoppers of all ages, encouraging exploration.

"Adults need to relieve stress and rediscover childhood happiness, too. This year, our theme is animals. So both kids and grown-ups can share in the joy," said Ye.

"It definitely lifts your mood and makes visiting more fun. If this kind of event is happening, I'm more likely to come to malls like this," said a Shanghai shopper surnamed Zhou.

These vibrant displays are not limited to Pudong. For the first time, the Shanghai International Flower Show has expanded beyond botanical gardens to all 16 districts. In Huangpu, traditional shop windows have been transformed into urban flower showcases, while in Jing'an, a five-meter-tall floral puppy installation is trending on social media, drawing visitors and their pets for photos.

"In the past, professional flower shows were only in parks, but now they are in commercial districts. With the arrival of spring, shopping among the flowers is even more delightful," said Liu Min, deputy director of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.

This year's Labor Day holiday runs for five consecutive days, from May 1 to May 5.

Shanghai Int'l Flower Show uplifts city shopping experience during Labor Day holiday