France preps aid for airlines hit by jet fuel price hikes

The French government is preparing to provide financial aid for airlines hit by jet fuel price hikes, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said late on Wednesday.

Tabarot said in a post on X the government and airlines had made progress in a meeting on Wednesday on aid including deferrals of social security contributions, extended tax payment deadlines and flexibility on fuel loads.

"Airlines are facing a major shock. The government is fully committed to supporting them and helping them get through this difficult time," he said.

European authorities are scrambling for solutions to prevent broad aviation disruptions this summer after European airlines have warned of jet fuel shortages within weeks as ‌a result of the Iran war. Europe is more dependent on jet fuel imports, with some 75% from the Middle East, than for any other transport fuel.

-Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Makini Brice/Reuters