Soaring Fuel Costs: Impact on U.S. Airlines

Fuel costs for U.S. airlines rose by 85% in May, totaling nearly $6.7 billion, due to Middle East tensions. Prices per gallon increased significantly compared to 2025 figures. However, recent weeks have seen a decline in jet fuel costs as tensions between Iran and the U.S. eased.

Fuel costs for U.S. airlines surged by 85% in May, reaching almost $6.7 billion, as Middle East conflicts escalated prices, according to the U.S. Transportation Department's report on Monday.

In May 2025, airlines had spent $3.62 billion on fuel, a sharp contrast to the $6.66 billion spent during the same period this year, with the cost per gallon climbing to $4.09—$1.88 more than two years prior.

Fortunately, recent weeks have marked a decline in jet fuel costs attributed to easing tensions between Iran and the United States.