Airline Fuel Crunch
American Airlines cancels August, September flights due to soaring jet fuel costs
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American Airlines is cutting roughly 6,400 flights from its summer schedule, suspending six domestic routes between August 5 and October 5, 2026 CBS News. The move comes as jet fuel prices have surged more than 80% since late February, driven by the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz Reuters.
Affected passengers will be offered rebooking options or full refunds kshb.com. Approximately 1.4 million travelers used the six suspended routes in 2025 and will now face connections, longer travel times, and likely higher fares International Business Times.
Iran War Sends Jet Fuel Prices Through the Roof
The crisis began on February 28, 2026, when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran Forbes. Within days, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint for 20% of the world's oil supply. Jet fuel jumped from $2.50 per gallon in late February to $4.51 per gallon by late April, an 80% spike Senator Elizabeth Warren. At Los Angeles International Airport, prices briefly hit $15 per gallon during peak supply shortages SA News.
Brent crude oil peaked above $120 per barrel after the March 4 blockade Wikipedia. Jet fuel typically accounts for 25% to 30% of an airline's total operating costs — making it the single most volatile expense after labor CBS News. American Airlines projected a $4 billion increase in annual fuel expenses for 2026 Reuters.
Six Routes Cut as Midwest and East Coast Cities Lose LAX Access
American Airlines confirmed six specific route suspensions starting August 5 Simple Flying. From Los Angeles, flights to Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Washington Dulles will be paused. From Charlotte, flights to Ontario, California and Sacramento will also stop. All six suspensions run through October 5, 2026.
Cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Pittsburgh had only added these nonstop LAX routes in April 2026 Travel Market Report. Losing them during the peak late-summer season will hurt local business travel and tourism. CEO Robert Isom said the airline must "adjust our flying if we need to" to manage cost volatility TheStreet.
Spirit's Collapse Shows What Unchecked Fuel Costs Can Do
American Airlines is not the only carrier in trouble. Spirit Airlines shut down all operations on May 2, 2026, citing fuel costs as the "final nail in the coffin" Al Jazeera. The global airline industry has absorbed an estimated $15 billion in added expenses since the war began Today, Explained. The International Air Transport Association slashed its industry profit forecast from a record $41 billion to potentially double-digit losses Reuters.
Delta and United tried to offset costs earlier by raising baggage fees and adding fuel surcharges of up to £50 on international flights The Guardian. Aviation analyst Henry Harteveldt said the "era of cheap flights" is effectively over for economy travelers CBS News. The war has also added an average of $447 in energy costs to each American household in 2026 Energy Digital.
Political Battles Erupt Over Prices and Passenger Protection
Senator Elizabeth Warren led a group of lawmakers demanding airlines explain how they will protect consumers from "price gouging" during the war U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, the U.S. House passed a War Powers Resolution on June 3 to halt military action, with several Republicans joining Democrats over constituent anger at $5-per-gallon gas TIME.
President Trump pushed back, arguing that "rising gas prices are worth the war with Iran" for national security reasons CBS News. Critics, including progressive lawmakers, pointed out that American Airlines has not cut executive pay — CEO Robert Isom earned $13.8 million — even as the airline projects a $4 billion fuel bill U.S. Senate. Chief Commercial Officer Vasu Raja warned of broader capacity cuts if prices stay high into Q3 and Q4 Travel Market Report.
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