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Airlines · Fuel Costs · Revenue Guidance · Travel Demand
Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways significantly raised their first-quarter revenue guidance, with Delta now expecting high single-digit growth and American over 10% growth, as robust spring travel demand and premium bookings more than offset a $400 million fuel-related cost increase for each major carrier despite the Iran conflict.
Major US carriers, including Delta, American, and JetBlue, updated their outlooks ahead of a JPMorgan industry conference in March 2026, signaling that strong spring travel demand is more than offsetting the financial pressure from higher fuel prices. Delta absorbed a $400 million fuel-related hit and operational disruptions, yet expects high single-digit revenue growth, exceeding earlier projections of up to 7%, and reaffirmed earnings guidance of $0.50 to $0.90 per share.
American Airlines raised its first-quarter revenue forecast to more than 10% growth, up from its previous estimate of 7% to 10%, also expecting a roughly $400 million increase in costs largely tied to fuel. JetBlue Airways revised its expected revenue growth to 5%-7%, up from earlier guidance of up to 4%.
Southwest Airlines maintained its previous forecast, acknowledging fuel prices as a key wildcard. Delta CEO Ed Bastian reported eight of the top ten sales days in the company's history occurred this quarter, with bookings up 25% year over year.
United Airlines is also benefiting from shifting global travel flows due to Middle East disruptions.
US Airlines Boost Forecasts Despite Soaring Fuel Costs(current)
