Jet fuel Photo: Shutterstock The supply of jet fuel to Zurich Airport is under threat due to delays and disruptions to international freight trains, mainly on routes from Germany.
Following concerns about a supply gap, the Swiss government has approved the withdrawal of up to 30,000 cubic meters of jet fuel from mandatory reserves, between October 15 and November 1, 2026.
According to a statement from the Swiss Federal Office for Economic Supply, the Rhine River's low water level has led to additional cargo being transferred to already overloaded trains.
Disruptions and delays in rail transport have affected fuel supply to Zurich, and delayed shipments cannot arrive in time to make up for the shortfall.
The amount approved for release from the reserves is 6.5% of the current mandatory jet fuel stock. The ministry noted that without additional measures, the fuel stock available at the airport will not be sufficient to bridge the supply gap. The release of the reserves is intended to support supply and prevent shortages at the airport.
This means that authorities are required to use emergency stocks to deal with disruptions in the aviation fuel supply chain. However, the announcement refers to the risk to supplies to Zurich airport and does not report flight cancellations or fueling restrictions.