United Airlines outlook hit by jet fuel costs

United Airlines said Tuesday that higher jet fuel costs are weighing on its fourth-quarter profit outlook, despite stronger third-quarter earnings.

The US carrier reported third-quarter profit of $1 billion, up 8.5% from a year earlier, after revenue rose 17.4%.

United said demand was strong across premium service, basic economy and cargo. It said jet fuel costs in the third quarter were $1.8 billion higher than in the same period in 2025.

The airline projected fourth-quarter profit of 50 cents to $1.50 per share. It also forecast jet fuel at $4.80 per gallon in the quarter, up 23% from the third quarter.

United shares fell 1.5% in after-hours trading.