MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the grounding of some flights in the Philippines has become a “distinct possibility” as the ongoing conflict in Iran threatens global jet fuel supply.
Speaking in an interview on March 24, Marcos revealed that several countries have already informed Philippine airlines that they can no longer provide refueling services, forcing carriers to carry enough fuel for both outbound and return trips.
“Several countries have already told our airlines they cannot fuel their aircraft, so they have to carry fuel there and back,” the President said, noting that long-haul flights would be the most affected.
Asked whether aircraft may eventually be grounded, Marcos said: “We’re hoping not, but it’s a distinct possibility.”
Airlines across Asia are now preparing contingency measures as escalating tensions in the Middle East raise fears of a major oil shock, potentially the worst since the 1970s.
The Philippines remains particularly vulnerable, as it relies heavily on imported crude oil, much of it sourced from the Middle East, making it more exposed to supply disruptions and rising domestic fuel prices.
Budget carrier Cebu Air earlier announced plans to reduce flights starting April due to surging fuel costs linked to the Middle East crisis.
Elsewhere in the region, Vietnam Airlines has temporarily suspended some domestic routes, while VietJet Aviation JSC has cut flight frequencies. Bamboo Airways, meanwhile, said it would try to maintain operations during peak travel periods but warned of fewer flights if oil prices remain elevated.
However, the President’s remarks appear to contrast with earlier assurances from the Department of Energy. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said airlines have indicated they currently have sufficient fuel supply.
“We met them because we wanted to know if they need help in procuring, but they have assured us they’re okay,” Garin said.
Despite this, authorities and industry players continue to closely monitor the situation, as prolonged instability in the Middle East could significantly impact flight operations and travel in the coming months.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
