Fuel pact bolsters UAE aviation resilience

UAE aviation fuel supply chains are set for tighter coordination after ENOC Group and Emirates Petroleum Company, Emarat, signed an agreement to build a joint business continuity planning framework for Jet A-1 operations.

The memorandum of understanding is designed to protect fuel availability at key aviation hubs during operational disruption, supply pressure or logistics constraints. It sets out a structured mechanism for cooperation between the two energy companies, covering pipeline transfers, truck loading operations, fuel supply management and response procedures aimed at keeping airport services running without interruption.

The agreement comes as aviation infrastructure across the UAE faces rising demand from expanding passenger traffic, airline growth and the country’s role as a global transit centre. Dubai International handled 95.2 million passengers in 2025, its highest annual total, and traffic is projected to move close to 100 million passengers in 2026. That scale places added pressure on supporting systems, including aviation fuel storage, transfer, quality control and emergency response planning.

Jet A-1 is the standard aviation turbine fuel used by most commercial aircraft operating from major airports. Any disruption in its movement from storage facilities to aircraft fuelling points can have immediate consequences for flight schedules, airline costs and airport capacity. The ENOC-Emarat framework seeks to reduce that risk by creating clearer coordination channels before a crisis develops.

The pact is expected to strengthen procedures for fuel movement through pipelines and by road tankers, two critical components of aviation fuel logistics. Pipeline transfers support high-volume, continuous supply to airport infrastructure, while truck loading provides flexibility during route interruptions, maintenance work or demand spikes. A coordinated plan between the two companies can help avoid duplication, reduce response time and improve visibility across the supply chain.

Hussain Sultan Lootah, chief executive of ENOC Group, said uninterrupted fuel supply was central to the aviation sector and to the UAE’s wider energy ecosystem. He said the collaboration with Emarat would strengthen proactive business continuity planning by combining expertise and supporting seamless operations in the country’s aviation sector.

Burhan Al Hashemi, chief executive of Emarat, described aviation fuel continuity as a national responsibility, saying the agreement institutionalised readiness between the two companies in normal operations as well as in high-pressure scenarios. His remarks underline the strategic nature of the sector, where fuel reliability is not only a commercial concern but also a matter of transport resilience and economic continuity.

ENOC is a major integrated energy group owned by the Government of Dubai, with businesses spanning exploration, supply, trading, terminals, retail, lubricants and aviation fuel. Its aviation operations are closely linked to Dubai’s airport system, including infrastructure serving Dubai International and Al Maktoum International. Emarat, established as a federal petroleum company, operates across fuel retail, commercial supply, storage and distribution, with a longstanding role in the country’s downstream energy network.

The agreement also reflects a broader shift in the energy and aviation sectors towards formal resilience planning. Airlines and airports have faced multiple disruptions over the past few years, including pandemic-era shutdowns, regional airspace closures, extreme weather, refinery outages and volatility in global energy markets. These pressures have pushed fuel suppliers to place greater emphasis on contingency planning, inventory visibility and multi-channel logistics.

Business continuity plans typically define roles, escalation procedures, alternative supply arrangements, communications protocols and recovery steps. In aviation fuel operations, they also require strict attention to safety and product quality, as Jet A-1 must meet precise technical standards before it can be supplied to aircraft. A framework shared by two major domestic suppliers can create a more predictable operating environment for airports and airlines.

The UAE’s aviation model depends on high aircraft utilisation, rapid turnaround times and reliable hub operations. Dubai International remains one of the world’s busiest airports for international travel, while Al Maktoum International is being expanded as part of a long-term strategy to shift major operations to a much larger airport platform. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other airports are also competing for passenger and cargo growth, increasing the need for robust support systems.

The agreement does not amount to a merger or operational consolidation between ENOC and Emarat. Each company will continue to operate independently, but the framework creates a basis for joint response, shared planning and coordinated execution during disruption. That distinction is important in a sector where competition, regulatory oversight and safety obligations must be balanced with national infrastructure resilience.