American, United and Southwest Cut Flights Amid Fuel Surge

Major U.S. carriers are reducing flight schedules as rising jet fuel prices threaten their bottom lines. American Airlines anticipates a $1 billion increase in its fourth-quarter fuel bill due to current pricing trends that have climbed approximately one dollar per gallon above July projections. United Airlines has already cancelled some December flights and may trim further capacity in 2027, while Southwest plans to reduce its 2026 growth by roughly half. The International Air Transport Association reports the global average jet fuel price rose 6.1% week over week to $181.46 per barrel last week. Despite these operational adjustments and higher costs passed on through fare increases, airline executives noted that passenger demand remains resilient across domestic and international markets.