From Crotone and Reggio Calabria to Catania and Naples, aviation authorities have issued warnings over limited jet fuel supplies as road blockades disrupt deliveries. Airlines are calling for urgent action to restore fuel distribution.
Road blockades organised by truck drivers protesting soaring fuel prices continue to cause disruption across southern Italy. Although some of the protests have begun to ease, long traffic jams remain, with reports of truck tyres being slashed to prevent vehicles from resuming their journeys. Tonnes of goods, including food and pharmaceutical products, remain stranded on the roads, leaving supermarket shelves empty in several areas.
The disruption is now affecting the aviation sector. In recent hours, several airports in southern Italy have reported difficulties securing adequate supplies of Jet A-1 fuel, prompting warnings to airlines and pilots to refuel at alternative airports whenever possible.
Which airports are at risk? Calabria and Sicily among the hardest hit
Nearly ten airports are currently facing potential supply issues, according to warnings issued by Enav, Italy’s air navigation service provider, through Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs).
The situation is particularly concerning in Calabria and Sicily, where airports are already experiencing shortages or restrictions in jet fuel availability.
At Crotone and Reggio Calabria airports, fuel supplies have become limited. Pilots have therefore been advised to arrange refuelling at their departure airport or at a previous stop, ensuring they carry sufficient fuel for subsequent flight legs.
According to NOTAMs issued on 21 October, the restrictions were expected to remain in place until Saturday evening in Crotone and Sunday in Reggio Calabria.
Lamezia Terme airport, meanwhile, has not reported any supply problems so far.
Despite the difficulties, the disruption has not yet had a significant impact on scheduled flights to and from Calabria. Sacal, the company managing the region’s three airports, said existing operational procedures should help maintain normal services.
“Thanks to the operational procedures already in place, no impact on the regularity of scheduled flights is expected over the coming days,” the company said.
Catania also faces potential fuel shortages
Catania Airport in Sicily is also at risk of running short of aviation fuel. Enav has extended its warnings to the airport, where supplies of Jet A-1 are reported to be limited.
Airlines have been advised to ensure their aircraft carry sufficient fuel before departure, as refuelling options at Catania may be restricted.
The situation highlights the wider consequences of the truckers’ protests, with road transport disruptions threatening to affect not only the delivery of essential goods but also the continuity of air travel across southern Italy.
Wizz Air warns of possible flight disruptions
Wizz Air is among the first airlines to publicly acknowledge the potential impact of the protests on its operations. The low-cost carrier has warned of possible operational restrictions that could affect departures to and from Italy.
The airline has urged the relevant Italian authorities to intervene urgently to restore the regular supply of fuel to airports and prevent further disruption for passengers.
“We are aware of how frustrating changes to travel plans can be,” the company said, adding that affected passengers would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.
With the truckers’ protests continuing to disrupt road transport and fuel deliveries, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the shortages lead to cancellations, delays or further operational restrictions at airports across southern Italy.
