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US Airlines face profit warnings as jet fuel costs surge
Major U.S. airlines, including Southwest, United, Delta, and American Airlines, are reporting significant financial pressure due to soaring jet fuel prices. Southwest Airlines has lowered its 2026 adjusted earnings forecast to a range of $2.60 to $2.85 per share, down from a previous projection of up to $4.25 per share. Despite this, Southwest reported record third-quarter revenue of $8.42 billion, driven by higher passenger fares and new commercial initiatives.
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are also navigating high energy costs. United reported a 61.6% increase in fuel expenses compared to the previous year, while Delta saw a 62% rise in adjusted fuel costs. United is attempting to offset these costs through pricing discipline and investments in high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi to attract high-value passengers.
American Airlines reported a net loss of $269 million for the third quarter, as fuel costs rose by $1.9 billion year-over-year. The company has also lowered its full-year earnings outlook. Across the industry, carriers are balancing resilient passenger demand and higher ticket yields against the volatility of energy markets and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting fuel supplies.
Entities
American Airlines · Bob Jordan · Delta Air Lines · Scott Kirby · Southwest Airlines · Starlink · United Airlines · Wall Street
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] American Airlines revenue grew 19.3% year-over-year in the third quarter. tribunadepetropolis.com.br · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.teleborsa.it
- [● 5 SOURCES] Southwest Airlines cut its 2026 adjusted profit forecast to between $2.60 and $2.85 per share. www.formosadeportiva.com.ar · www.spacemoney.com.br · www.tokenpost.com · www.airliners.de · time.news
- [● 4 SOURCES] Southwest's third-quarter net income was $270 million. www.formosadeportiva.com.ar · aviacionaldia.com · www.tokenpost.com · time.news
- [○ 1 SOURCE] United Airlines reported a 61.6% increase in fuel expenditure during the third quarter of 2026. www.travelandtourworld.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] American Airlines reported a net loss of $269 million in the third quarter of 2026. tribunadepetropolis.com.br · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.teleborsa.it
- [● 6 SOURCES] Southwest reported third-quarter adjusted revenue of $8.42 billion. www.formosadeportiva.com.ar · aviacionaldia.com · boardingarea.com · www.tokenpost.com · www.airliners.de · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] United Airlines is installing Starlink satellite Wi-Fi across its fleet. www.fool.com · www.panrotas.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Delta Air Lines recorded a 62% increase in adjusted fuel costs. www.travelandtourworld.com