Middle East War Drives Jet Fuel Spike as U.S. Airlines Warn of Higher Fares

Executives from Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines told investors on March 18, 2026, that surging jet fuel prices tied to the Iran–Middle East war and disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz have added hundreds of millions of dollars to their costs, but record ticket sales are so far preserving quarterly profit expectations. Argus Media data cited in the article show U.S. jet fuel jumping to $3.93 per gallon on Tuesday, up from $2.50 the day before the war began on Feb. 28, with Delta CEO Ed Bastian estimating about $400 million in extra fuel expense alone. The carriers report that the first weeks of 2026 have delivered many of their best days and weeks ever for bookings across corporate, international, premium leisure and main-cabin travel, suggesting passengers may be buying now to lock in prices before airlines fully pass along higher fuel costs. Industry analysts quoted say higher airfares are effectively inevitable, with the biggest impact likely on long-haul international routes, and note that some foreign carriers are already imposing fuel surcharges while U.S. airlines are more likely to raise base fares or fees. Airline leaders also signaled they may trim capacity or adjust schedules if elevated fuel prices persist, underscoring how the Iran war’s oil shock is starting to ripple into U.S. consumer travel costs and route networks.