Fuel shortages affecting American carriers as domestic demand exceeds expectations

American airlines are having to take contingency measures to mitigate for a shortage of aviation fuel which initially affected only the Western United States, but which has now spread across the country. The problem has been caused by a much faster-than-expected recovery of domestic air travel. This is as a consequence of the continued coronavirus-related problems faced by international travelers. Instead of traveling abroad, Americans are now targeting domestic locations for holidays. As an example, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana dealt with 223,000 passengers in June, a record for the airport and a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2019, pre the pandemic.

The surge in summer traffic has had the greatest effect on smaller airports, the problem being the result of a combination of factors, including a lack of truck drivers, trucks, and fuel supply. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines have all experienced fuel issues, but the latter two carriers have managed to avoid any disruption to flights. American Airlines has experienced minimal disruption so far and has not had to cancel any flights.

“American Airlines station jet fuel delivery delays initially affected mostly western U.S. cities, but are now being reported at American stations across the country. Delivery delays are expected to continue through mid-August,” John Dudley, managing director of flight operations told pilots in a memo. Pilots have been asked to conserve fuel wherever possible and to deploy measures such as taxiing with a single engine.

Beyond problems faced owing to a shortage of fuel, passengers have also had to face long waiting times for customer support, and long queues at airport restaurants, owing to staff shortages. The rapid bounce-back in demand for domestic air travel has caught many carriers and retailers out and they are now scrambling to hire and train new staff.