While big U.S. airlines say strong demand is giving them room to raise fares, the cuts are expected to hold up the industry's pricing power. "There's no point in burning cash in the near term on flying that just can't absorb these fuel costs," Kirby said. Kirby had said on Tuesday the airline would rather leave some demand unmet than fly routes that lose money if fuel costs stay high. Airlines including Delta and American have said strong demand has allowed them to push through fare increases to recover part of the recent surge in fuel prices. But Kirby said United would still trim flying that risks losing money at current fuel levels.

Source: The Telegraph March 21, 2026 06:26 UTC