United Airlines Cuts 2026 Performance Forecast Due to Surge in Fuel Costs

United Airlines has cut its 2026 performance projections in line with the surge in jet fuel prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. Like other airlines, United is also reducing some flight plans to contain costs.

Citing CNBC, United estimates earnings per share for this year to be in the range of $7 to $11 per share (adjusted), down from the previous projection of $12 to $14 per share announced in January.

Wall Street analysts had previously lowered expectations, with annual earnings projections around $9.58 per share. For the second quarter, United estimates adjusted earnings at only $1 to $2 per share, below analysts’ expectations of $2.08.

United is also adjusting flight capacity, with growth in the second half of this year expected to be flat to up around 2 percent, after a 3.4 percent increase in the first quarter.

For first-quarter 2026 performance, United reported revenue of $14.61 billion, also exceeding estimates of $14.37 billion.

Overall, revenue rose more than 10 percent compared to the previous year’s $13.21 billion. First-quarter net profit jumped 80 percent to $699 million, or $2.14 per share, from $387 million or $1.16 per share in the same period last year.

United CEO Scott Kirby said the results reflect the resilience of the company’s long-term strategy despite facing rising fuel costs.

“This is a result that our employees can be proud of and demonstrates the resilience of our long-term strategy, even amid the surge in fuel costs,” he stated.