US airlines’ fuel bill jumps 78% to $6.5bn in April, Middle East conflict drives jet fuel to $4.11 a gallon.
Fuel costs for U.S. airlines surged by 78 per cent in April to nearly $6.5 billion compared with the same period last year, as the conflict in the Middle East continued to push up global jet fuel prices, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). In its monthly report released on Monday, the department said airlines’ fuel expenses rose by 26 per cent from March, despite carriers consuming 2.6 per cent less fuel during the month. The average cost of fuel climbed to $4.11 per gallon in April, an increase of $1.81 from April 2025. The rising fuel prices have already impacted the aviation industry, with Spirit Airlines, a U.S. ultra-low-cost carrier, suspending operations in May and citing higher fuel costs as a key factor. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines collectively account for about 80 per cent of domestic flights in the United States.
