EU tells airlines: no obstacles to careful use of Jet A fuel

May 8 (Reuters) - The European Union told airports and airlines in the region on Friday that they can swap certain jet fuel grades to avert a supply crunch due to the war in Iran, as long as precautions are taken.

The EU Commission cleared airlines' use of Jet A fuel, commonly filled in the United States, as supplies of the EU-preferred fuel grade could run low amid scarce Middle Eastern supplies, confirming an earlier Reuters report .

"There are (...) no regulatory obstacles to the use of Jet A fuel imported to Europe provided its use is properly managed and communicated throughout the fuel supply chain," it said.

At European airports, planes are typically refuelled with ​a grade known as Jet A-1, which is better suited to long-haul and cold-temperature operations.

Europe-bound planes, like all others, have previously been filled with Jet A fuel in the U.S.

The bloc's aviation safety agency EASA said separately the industry in the region needs to take certain precautions when making the switch.

"A potential introduction in markets traditionally using Jet A-1 needs to be adequately managed," it cautioned in a statement.

EASA added it was issuing a Safety Information Bulletin on adequate use, which the Commission said stakeholders were "invited to consult".

The EU Commission also on Friday told airlines that passenger rights would be upheld, as the impact of the war in Iran on the jet fuel market is not severe enough.