A public debate has erupted in Hungary’s aviation sector after comments by the head of the national air navigation service suggested that a potential kerosene shortage could disrupt summer flights across Europe.
The remarks triggered concern over whether airlines might face cancellations or widespread disruption during the peak travel season. However, both industry players and energy suppliers have moved quickly to reject the warning.
Hungarian oil and gas company MOL stated that jet fuel supply in Hungary remains stable and uninterrupted, directly contradicting claims of any immediate fuel availability risks.
Wizz Air rejects ‘speculation’ and reassures passengers
Low-cost carrier Wizz Air strongly denied suggestions that summer operations could be affected by fuel shortages, insisting that its full summer timetable will operate as planned.
In a detailed statement, the airline said there is no threat to its fuel supply chain and that passengers can confidently book and travel throughout the season, Pénzcentrum reported.
Wizz Air also pointed to its modern fleet (more than 75% of its aircraft are next-generation Airbus neo models) as a factor that improves fuel efficiency and operational resilience.
Airline shifts focus to air traffic control capacity issues
Beyond the fuel debate, Wizz Air used the opportunity to criticise European aviation infrastructure, arguing that recent and historical delays are primarily caused by air traffic control constraints rather than airline operations.
The company specifically highlighted operational challenges at HungaroControl, claiming that capacity limitations in Hungarian and European air traffic management systems have been a major source of summer delays in previous years.
According to Wizz Air, rising air navigation costs and system-wide congestion remain among the biggest challenges facing the industry, rather than fuel availability.
MOL and airlines insist supply chain is stable
In response to speculation, MOL reaffirmed that Hungary’s aviation fuel supply chain is operating smoothly, with refining and logistics capacity functioning normally.
Wizz Air echoed this reassurance, stating that neither domestic nor broader European fuel supply issues pose a risk to scheduled operations.
The airline added that it remains focused on providing reliable, affordable and predictable services throughout the summer travel period.
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