⛽ EASA Fuel Bulletin Focuses on Jet-A Differences, India Gateway Fleet Hit First
EASA issued a safety bulletin between May and June 2026 addressing the differences between Jet-A and Jet A-1 fuels, warning that they may affect refueling compliance at airports in Europe, Africa, Australia, India, and Southeast Asia. During the same period, it also introduced Jet A usage guidance to ease the tight jet fuel supply situation in Europe (about six weeks remaining). The freezing point difference between the two (Jet A-1 at approximately -47°C vs Jet A at approximately -40°C) could theoretically increase the icing risk on high-altitude cold-soak routes. Avi-Go data shows that the India gateway fleet volume is particularly prominent within the affected regions: Delhi VIDP has an active fleet of 400 aircraft, Mumbai VABB has 298, and the two Indian airports combined account for 9,474 movements and an active fleet of nearly 700 aircraft.
Impact: Fuel approval checklists and mixed-use traceability have become key compliance points for multi-region operations, and India's high-density gateway fleet faces more concentrated scrutiny pressure. Europe's tight fuel supply combined with adjustments to fuel carriage rules may affect long-haul tankering strategies.
Recommendation: Operators should complete AFM fuel approval checklist verification before mid-July 2026, confirm fleet suitability for Jet-A, and establish mixed-use traceability records. For Europe-India routes, reassess tankering plans and fuel-saving measures before the end of July to avoid operational windows where supply constraints and icing risks overlap.