U.S. Airlines Suspend Select Routes as Jet Fuel Prices Rise

U.S. airlines have begun suspending or reducing service on multiple routes as jet fuel prices rise amid the Iran conflict. American Airlines confirmed to CBS News that it will suspend six domestic routes during August and September. The affected routes are Los Angeles to Cleveland, Los Angeles to Columbus, Los Angeles to Pittsburgh, Los Angeles to Washington Dulles, Charlotte to Ontario, and Charlotte to Sacramento.

The airline stated that the suspensions are temporary and that passengers can be rebooked or refunded.

Canada announced temporary cuts beginning June 1. The routes include Salt Lake City to Toronto, suspended until 2027, and JFK to Toronto and JFK to Montreal, both suspended until October 25, 2026. A separate report from Reuters stated that United is reducing about five percent of planned capacity.

The reductions include roughly three percent of off-peak flights and about one percent of flights from Chicago O'Hare. United also continues to suspend service to Tel Aviv and Dubai.

The primary factor cited is the reported doubling of jet fuel prices since the start of the Iran conflict. Jet fuel typically accounts for 25 to 30 percent of airline operating costs, according to industry analysts cited by CBS. Passengers may face fewer direct flights, longer connections, and higher fares on remaining routes.

Airlines have indicated that many of the cuts are temporary and could be reversed if fuel prices stabilize.