On 24 June 2026, EASA issued an emergency Airworthiness Directive requiring inspections of wing mid-spar structures on 16 Airbus A380 aircraft following the identification of cracks that could affect wing structural integrity. Five aircraft, all operated by Emirates, are required to undergo inspection before their next flight, while the remaining aircraft, including one operated by Qantas, must be inspected within 25 flight cycles. EASA has classified the directive as an interim measure pending further investigation. Although the issue is currently limited to a small subset of the global A380 fleet, operators may experience short-term maintenance-related disruptions while inspections are completed. No incidents related to the identified condition have been reported.

Jet fuel prices have declined significantly in recent weeks as crude oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz resume and global supply conditions improve. Increased refinery production and strong import volumes into Europe have eased concerns regarding fuel availability, resulting in a more favourable cost environment for airlines. Market sentiment has shifted from supply concerns to expectations of adequate fuel availability through the peak summer travel season, with much of the geopolitical risk premium now removed from pricing. Similar downward trends have been observed in Asia and North America as regional fuel markets stabilize. While jet fuel prices remain above pre-conflict levels and some supply chain risks persist, particularly around the gradual normalization of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the overall outlook is positive. Lower fuel prices are expected to provide cost relief to airlines and support operating margins over the near term.

French chemicals engineer Technip Energies has agreed with Airbus, Safran and Tereos to form a joint venture to develop a 160,000 tonne/year sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant at Dunkirk in northern France. The proposed development represents a positive long-term development for the aviation sector's energy transition and fuel supply diversification. The project will utilize alcohol-to-jet technology to convert ethanol derived from agricultural and forestry residues into SAF suitable for use in existing aircraft and engines. While the project remains subject to final investment approval and is not expected to provide near-term supply benefits successful implementation would contribute to airlines' sustainability objectives and may help mitigate future regulatory and environmental compliance risks associated with carbon emissions.