United Airlines announced Friday it will eliminate roughly 5% of its scheduled flights over the next few months as aviation fuel costs skyrocket amid ongoing Middle East tensions, according to CEO Scott Kirby.
In a message distributed to company staff and published on United’s corporate website, Kirby warned of significant financial impact from the fuel price increases. “If prices stayed at this level, it would mean an extra $11 billion in annual expense just for jet fuel,” Kirby stated. His projections are based on oil reaching $175 per barrel and remaining elevated until late 2027 before dropping back to $100 per barrel.
The airline plans to reinstate its complete flight schedule by autumn, according to Kirby’s announcement.
United’s capacity reductions will primarily target slower travel periods, with approximately three percentage points of flights being eliminated during the second and third quarters. The carrier has also suspended operations to Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel and Dubai International Airport in the UAE, representing roughly one percentage point of total capacity.
An additional one percentage point reduction will affect service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, following the Federal Aviation Administration’s directive to reduce summer flight operations at that hub.
