United Airlines to Cut More Flights as It Eyes Oil Above $100 Through 2027

Airline prepares for prolonged period of high jet fuel prices due to Iran war, but maintains growth strategy

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

United Airlines is cutting more unprofitable flights over the next two quarters as it prepares for a prolonged period of high jet fuel prices due to the Iran war. Chief Executive Scott Kirby says the airline is preparing for oil to rise as high as $175 a barrel and remain above $100 until the end of 2027, which would increase United's annual fuel bill by about $11 billion. However, United will continue its broader growth strategy, taking delivery of about 120 new aircraft this year and another 130 by April 2028.

Why it matters

The war in Iran has pushed airlines into a fresh fuel shock, with jet fuel prices nearly doubling since late February. This is raising costs across the industry and disrupting global flying patterns. United's capacity cuts are an effort to maintain profitability in the face of these elevated fuel prices, but the airline is also confident in its ability to pass along fare increases to customers due to strong travel demand.

The details

United is cutting about three percentage points of off-peak flying in the second and third quarters, targeting routes and periods with weaker demand. It will also pull about one percentage point of capacity from Chicago O'Hare and keep service to Tel Aviv and Dubai suspended, bringing the total reduction to about five percentage points of this year's planned capacity. However, Kirby says United currently expects to restore the full schedule in the fall.

  • United began trimming less profitable flights, including some midweek, Saturday and overnight service, earlier this year.
  • The latest cuts will take place in the second and third quarters of 2026.

The players

Scott Kirby

Chief Executive Officer of United Airlines.

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's a good chance it won't be that bad, but...there isn't ​much downside for us to preparing for that outcome.”

— Scott Kirby, Chief Executive Officer

“We will continue taking delivery ​of about 120 new aircraft this year, including 20 Boeing 787s, with another 130 aircraft due by April 2028.”

— Scott Kirby, Chief Executive Officer

What’s next

United expects to restore its full flight schedule in the fall of 2026.

The takeaway

United Airlines is taking proactive steps to manage the impact of high jet fuel prices on its operations, including cutting unprofitable flights, while still maintaining its broader growth strategy. The airline's ability to raise fares and adjust capacity will be key to offsetting the significant increase in fuel costs it is facing.