By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: American carriers cutting capacity over rising fuel costs
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > American carriers cutting capacity over rising fuel costs

American carriers cutting capacity over rising fuel costs

Josh McMinn
Last updated: 16 March 2022 13:13
By Josh McMinn
3 Min Read
Share
Alaskan Airline 737
Alaskan Airlines 737
SHARE

With the cost of jet fuel at a 14-year high, airlines are having to make some difficult decisions to keep themselves in the air. Some airlines have had to cut services, whilst others warn of increased ticket prices.

Fuel costs put airlines in a tricky position.

Several North American carriers have said that they’ll be reducing their services to stay on top of rising fuel costs. Oil prices have been rising steadily over the last few years due to scarcity, but Western sanctions against Russia, a major oil supplier, have sent prices skyrocketing.

Jet Fuel going into plane wing
Jet fuel prices have risen by 75% in the last year | © Reuters

The war in Ukraine has caused jet fuel prices to rise by more than 35% in the past month, and last week, the spot market price was at 85% of pre-war levels, though it has settled down again since. Usually, fuel only accounts for 15-20% of flight running costs, but rising prices are putting a strain on airlines’ margins, and many are being forced to cut less profitable routes. Carriers are now faced with the difficult choice of either absorbing the costs or passing them on to the customers, potentially losing them business. In Nigeria, the fuel crisis has gotten so bad airlines have said they only have a few more days to fly.

Which airlines are cutting capacity?

Alaska Air will be reducing its second-quarter capacity by 5-10%, according to Bloomberg.

JetBlue announced in a stock exchange filing that they would also be reducing services:

“JetBlue is moving swiftly to reduce May capacity by 6-8 percentage points, and expects to continue to moderate its capacity outlook into the summer months,”

United have said:

“In response to several macroeconomic factors including rising fuel prices as well as expected aircraft delivery delays, the company has reduced its total capacity plan for the full year 2022 to be down in the high single digits versus full year 2019,”

Allegiant Airlines is also planning to reduce their second-quarter capacity between 5% and 10%, CEO Greg Anderson says.

What are your thoughts on the rising cost of jet fuel? Let us know in the comments below!

You Might Also Like

Spirit Airlines Adds Two New Cities to Their Service
The RFDS: Here to Help a Mate When You Need Them the Most
Drone missed plane landing at Stansted Airport by 15ft
WestJet Joins Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme to Support Travellers with Invisible Conditions
Getaways by Southwest: Southwest Airlines Announces new Vacation Package Program
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Josh McMinn
ByJosh McMinn
Follow:
Jr Reporter - Josh is an Jr. Aviation Reporter at Travel Radar covering the latest industry news, developments and passenger experiences. Outside of reporting, Josh is a talented artist and camera operator with experience spanning several industries.
Previous Article arajet boeing 737 Arajet orders 20 new 737 MAX in preparation for launch
Next Article Flybe Chooses Belfast City Airport as Second Base
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

Air Canada Express
Air Canada to upgrade regional operations and fleet
Aircraft Aviation
Aer Lingus launches their largest ever transatlantic schedule with expansion of their long-haul network and a new direct service to Dublin from North Carolina in 2026.
Aer Lingus Launches ‘Largest Ever’ Transatlantic Schedule for 2026
Airlines Aviation Route Development
Boeing 777
APEX 2026 Awards: Another Win for Air Canada
Airshow & Events Aviation
A group of five individuals in business attire stand together in a corporate setting, holding a certificate. The background features the Boeing logo prominently displayed on a screen. Two nameplates are visible on the table in front of them, reading "Crystal Remfert - Boeing Global Services" and "Chan Woo Jung - Korean Air." A floral arrangement is also present on the table.
Korean Air and Boeing Forge Strategic Alliance to Advance Predictive Maintenance
Airlines Aviation Technology
A close-up image shows a person holding a credit card near a payment terminal, ready to make a contactless payment. The card is gold-colored with the name "Chris Muller" visible on it. Another hand is holding the payment terminal. In the background, there are blurred figures of people sitting at a table with cups and glasses.
Lufthansa Miles & More Credit Card Relaunches with Deutsche Bank and Expanded Benefits
Airline Economics Aviation Points & Loyalty
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Not a member? Sign Up