Airlines spent 56.4% more on jet fuel in month after Iran war started, U.S. government says

U.S. airways spent 56.4% more on jet fuel in March, the month after the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran started, than they did in February, U.S. government knowledge launched Wednesday reveals.

U.S. carriers spent $5.06 billion on fuel in March, up from $3.23 billion in February. It was 30% more than what they paid in March 2025, in response to the Division of Transportation.

Airlines have lowered or scrapped their 2026 forecasts altogether due to the spike in fuel, their largest expense after labor. Some carriers have scaled again progress plans to chop prices and keep away from having an excessive amount of costly capability in the markets.

The spike in jet fuel was even sharper and topped $4 a gallon in some markets in April because the war continued and the Strait of Hormuz was successfully closed.

Spirit Airlines collapsed over the weekend, and the provider mentioned the surge in jet fuel prices foiled its plans to emerge from chapter midyear.

Different main carriers advised Wall Avenue as they reported earnings final month that they count on clients to cowl the upper jet fuel prices by early 2027, if not the tip of this 12 months.

To date, reserving developments present shoppers are nonetheless touring, In March, journey company ticket gross sales rose 12% from a 12 months in the past to $10.4 billion, with the variety of home journeys up 5% and worldwide up 1%, in response to the Airlines Reporting Corp.