Fuel Shortage Causes Delays and Cancellations at Hamburg Airport
Hamburg Airport is currently facing significant operational challenges due to a shortage of aviation fuel. A spokesperson from the refinery responsible for supplying kerosene to the airport indicated that the fuel is temporarily unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances. However, deliveries are expected to resume starting Thursday afternoon, with efforts underway to expedite the resolution of this issue.
The exact reasons behind the fuel shortage remain unclear, and the refinery has not provided a timeline for when the situation will be fully rectified. Furthermore, there is no evidence suggesting that maintenance activities initiated at the refinery a few days ago are related to the current shortages. The airport authorities have confirmed that there are no indications of sabotage or terrorist involvement.
Incidents of fuel shortages at airports are rare, with the last significant occurrence reported at Johannesburg Airport in South Africa following a refinery fire that impacted fuel availability. In that instance, Lufthansa had to send a Boeing 747 to Windhoek, Namibia, to refuel before returning to Frankfurt, highlighting the logistical complexities and costs associated with such emergencies.
Hamburg Airport, which served 8.1 million passengers from January to July 2025, ranks as Germany's fifth-largest airport, following Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, and Düsseldorf. The kerosene shortage poses a serious logistical challenge for the airlines operating in and out of Hamburg. Airlines are now forced to refuel at alternative airports, which not only increases operational costs but also results in heavier aircraft, leading to higher fuel consumption. This situation becomes particularly problematic for long-haul flights, such as those to the Canary Islands, where aircraft cannot carry the additional fuel needed due to weight restrictions.
Eurowings, the largest airline operating at Hamburg with 18 stationed aircraft, has announced plans to refuel at other airports temporarily. The airline stated that the kerosene shortage in Hamburg currently does not affect flights operated by Lufthansa Group Airlines.
However, other carriers, such as Condor, have indicated that they may need to make adjustments to their flight schedules, which could include cancellations as they assess their departure and arrival options at Hamburg Airport. Passengers are advised to monitor their flight statuses and consult their airlines or travel agents for any necessary rebooking or cancellations.
Critics have pointed out that Hamburg Airport should not rely solely on a single refinery for its fuel supply. According to Ralph Beisel, the CEO of the Airport Association ADV, the current situation underscores the vulnerability and complexity of the aviation supply chain. While airports are responsible for ensuring safe and reliable operations, they are not accountable for the privately managed supply structures, such as kerosene delivery.
Michael Hoppe, Secretary-General of the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG), echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for Hamburg Airport to diversify its fuel supply sources to prevent similar disruptions in the future. The long-term impact of this reliance on a single refinery will become evident in the coming days.