United Airlines profit falls as fuel costs rise

United Airlines reported lower second-quarter profit after higher jet fuel prices lifted its costs. The airline said profit fell 17.3 percent to $805 million, while revenue rose 16 percent to $17.7 billion.

The carrier said operating expenses grew faster than revenue after jet fuel costs increased because of the US-Iran war. United said it has cut lower-profit flights in response to the higher fuel costs. In April, it said it planned broad fare increases of 15 to 20 percent.

Chief executive Scott Kirby said United acted quickly after oil prices rose in March by adjusting schedules while continuing customer investments.

Based on current oil prices, United expects nearly $6 billion in added fuel expenses in 2026 compared with what it expected at the start of the year. It said it recovered about 50 percent of jet fuel costs in the second quarter and expects that share to rise to 80 to 90 percent in the third quarter and 100 percent in the fourth quarter.

United shares fell 1.8 percent in after-hours trading.