US Transportation Department monthly report shows airline fuel expenses reached nearly $6.5 billion in April 2026, a 78 % increase compared with April 2025.
Jet fuel price averaged $4.11 per gallon in April, up $1.81 from the same month a year earlier, contributing to a 26 % month‑on‑month rise in fuel costs.
Airlines collectively cut fuel consumption by 2.6 % in April versus March 2026.
Spirit Airlines announced cessation of operations in May 2026, citing unsustainable fuel costs as the primary cause.
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines together operate roughly 80 % of U.S. domestic flights.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual report projects global airline industry net profit of $23 billion for 2026, down from an earlier $41 billion estimate and $45 billion in 2025.
KAYAK data indicate U.S. domestic airfares have risen up to 31 % and international fares up to 22 % year‑on‑year compared with 2025.
