07/17/2026
U.S. airlines spent more than $6 billion on jet fuel in May for the second month in a row.
According to government data, airlines spent $6.66 billion on fuel in May, up 84% from a year earlier.
The increase was driven mostly by higher fuel prices, not higher fuel use. U.S. carriers used slightly less fuel than they did a year ago, while the average price paid rose to $4.09 per gallon.
Fuel is typically one of the airline industry’s highest operating costs, which can make carriers especially sensitive to swings in energy prices.
In response to higher fuel costs, airlines have raised fares and fees in some cases and adjusted flight schedules.
For travelers and businesses, the broader takeaway is that energy prices can affect more than the cost of filling up a car. They can also influence airfare, travel budgets, company expenses, and inflation pressures.
Source: https://abcnews.com/Business/wireStory/us-airlines-monthly-fuel-spending-topped-6-billion-134566376
