United Airlines will reduce its flight schedule by 5% in the second and third quarters of 2026, citing surging fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The cuts, announced Friday by CEO Scott Kirby, will initially target less profitable flights, including red-eye routes and those operating on traditionally slower travel days.
Kirby detailed the financial pressure in a message to employees, stating that sustained high oil prices – currently projected to reach $175 per barrel and remain there until late 2027 – would add $11 billion to the airline’s annual fuel expense. “For perspective, in United’s best year ever, we made less than $5B,” Kirby wrote. The carrier intends to reinstate its full flight schedule by the fall, but the move underscores the growing economic impact of geopolitical instability on the aviation industry.
The decision by United mirrors similar adjustments made during the record-breaking 2025 government shutdown, when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports due to an air traffic controller shortage. At that time, United responded by cutting flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Business Insider reported on the earlier cuts.
The cuts come as other airlines and travel sectors face disruptions. Israeli airlines have significantly reduced flight availability in response to the ongoing war, impacting Passover travel plans. The Times of Israel detailed the impact on Passover travel.
Despite the flight reductions, United Airlines maintains its plans for expansion, including the delivery of 120 new aircraft this year and continued infrastructure development at Newark Liberty International Airport. Kirby similarly affirmed that the airline will not implement employee furloughs in response to the financial pressures.
Meanwhile, the United States is reportedly considering deploying thousands of troops to the region as the conflict in Iran escalates. Al Jazeera reported on the potential troop deployment. The FAA has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding the potential impact of the conflict on air traffic control.
El Al has been actively working to bring back travelers, adding five rescue flights from the US to accommodate those affected by the situation. The Jerusalem Post reported that El Al has brought back 35,000 travelers.
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