U.S. airline fuel expenses up 78% in April despite using less fuel than last year

U.S. airlines saw a 78% jump in their fuel costs in April from a year earlier, new data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics show.

Airlines spent nearly $6.5 billion on 1.573 billion gallons of fuel in April, compared with $3.6 billion on 1.575 billion gallons in April 2025. 

The soaring costs could cut the airlines' 2026 profits in half, the Associated Press reported. The International Air Transport Association on Sunday released a report forecasting airlines worldwide to earn a combined $23 billion in net profit in 2026. It had previously expected $41 billion, down from $45 billion in 2025. 

The association expects jet fuel prices to average $152 per barrel 2026, a jump of 70% over 2025. 

Many airlines are responding to high fuel costs by canceling flights, slimming schedules, raising fees and cutting perks. American Airlines last week announced it was suspending several routes as a result of fuel costs.