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Why did Allied control of the air matter at the Second Battle of El-Alamein?

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Map showing the British and Axis military campaigns in North Africa during World War II, with labeled troop movements, key battles, and shifting front lines from Egypt across Libya to Tunisia along the Mediterranean coast. The map includes arrows and dates marking advances and retreats by both sides, and highlights major turning points and defensive lines. — North Africa campaigns Military drives, defensive lines, and key battles during the North Africa campaigns of World War II, 1940–43.

At the Second Battle of El-Alamein, Allied control of the air was a decisive factor that significantly undermined the Axis forces' ability to sustain combat operations. This air superiority provided the British Eighth Army with several critical advantages:12

Supply Interdiction: The Royal Air Force, in coordination with Royal Navy submarines, effectively strangled Axis supply lines across the Mediterranean. By sinking oil tankers and transport ships, the Allies ensured that Axis forces faced severe shortages of fuel, food, and ammunition. In the weeks leading up to the offensive, Rommel was left with only one-tenth of the fuel required for sustained operations.32
Operational Disruption: The overwhelming numerical advantage—approximately 1,500 Allied aircraft against 350 Axis planes—allowed the Allies to maintain continuous pressure on the battlefield. This air dominance made any attempt at resupply hazardous for German and Italian forces and subjected them to persistent attacks.32
Strategic Attrition: By cutting off the flow of essential resources, Allied air power forced the Axis into a position of strategic weakness, making it impossible for them to maintain a prolonged defense or mount an effective counter-offensive against the superior British forces.12