Airlines have indicated that a shortage of jet fuel is likely to drive up ticket prices, even though the Trump administration insists that this increase in costs is just a temporary issue.
Since the initiation of Operation Epic Fury, jet fuel prices have surged nearly twofold alongside rising oil prices. The International Air Transport Association has reported this trend. President Donald Trump acknowledged on March 16 that significant price hikes were inevitable. However, industry leaders are preparing for sustained high oil prices that could extend until the close of 2027.
Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, shared on March 20 his expectation that oil prices will hit $175 per barrel and may not fall back to $100 by 2027. In an interview with Bloomberg Television on March 24, he mentioned that fares might increase by as much as 20% for United to break even on extra oil costs. “If oil prices stay where they are now, it would cost us $11 billion, which would require a price hike of 20% just to cover that expense,” Kirby explained.
He added that United plans to cancel flights during off-peak hours, which includes weekday flights and red-eye services, as well as select routes to Tel Aviv and Dubai.
Most airlines in the U.S. have stopped hedging fuel costs, leading to higher fuel prices being passed onto consumers. This trend has been covered by various reports, including a recent one from NBC News.
Kirby’s recent remarks represent a shift from his earlier collaboration with the Trump administration. In an October meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance, he had advocated for a complete government reopening and supported Trump’s tariff policies. The aviation sector faced significant challenges during the pandemic, which included temporary shutdowns of around 10% of air traffic at 40 major airports last November.
United Airlines was among the first to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all its employees, leading to job termination for those who did not comply. Additionally, Kirby has endorsed a program aimed at ensuring that at least 50% of students enrolled in United Aviation Academy are women or people of color by 2030.
In response to rising oil prices, JetBlue has raised its checked baggage fees, with costs climbing from $35 to $39, to maintain competitive overall rates.
In terms of fare changes, flights from New York to London, which started at about $285 before Operation Epic Fury, have seen significant increases. By March 27, Delta Air Lines raised its prices to $553, United to $846, and American Airlines to $715. Reports from Business Insider outline these adjustments.
International flight fares have also seen spikes due to climbing fuel costs. Air France will raise long-haul ticket prices by $57, while Cathay Pacific plans a 34% increase in fuel surcharges on travel routes from April 1, subject to bimonthly reviews based on oil market fluctuations as noted by Reuters.
American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom, has indicated a $400 million increase in expenses for the airline during the first quarter of 2026. He also mentioned that the airline’s expansive domestic network might serve as a competitive edge since it utilizes less fuel for short-haul routes.
President Trump has prioritized U.S. energy dominance during his current administration. On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum highlighted that energy production reached record levels in 2025, with over 714 million barrels of oil produced, showcasing the administration’s focus on optimizing domestic resources.
The timeline regarding the end of the conflict remains uncertain. Trump has proposed a 15-point plan to the Iranian government to cease hostilities, which has been rejected. Caroline Levitt, a spokesperson, confirmed that discussions between the two nations are ongoing.
Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth stated that President Trump will determine when military goals have been met and it’s in the country’s best interest to end the conflict. He remarked, “When we achieve those goals, it’s up to the president to decide when to walk away from that agreement.”
On March 16, President Trump remarked that oil prices would likely drop rapidly once the conflict concludes, expressing optimism about a quick resolution.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that various measures are being taken to address rising oil prices, including ramping up production in California and reopening the state’s pipeline system through contracts with Texas-based firms.
