United to Cut Flights as Fuel Prices Soar
United Airlines (UAL.0) plans to trim roughly 5% of its scheduled flights in the second and third quarters of 2026 after the Iran war drove jet fuel costs within striking distance of double where it was at the end of February CEO Scott Kirby told employees he is preparing for oil prices to reach $175 a barrel, which would remain above $100 until sometime late 2027. At those prices, United’s annual fuel bill increases by $11 billion. The cuts target overnight, midweek and off-peak routes. Flights to both Tel Aviv and Dubai are still suspended. United intends to return to its full schedule this autumn.
