United Airlines Warns Fuel Spike Could Add $6 Billion to 2026 Costs
United Airlines Holdings Inc. reported second-quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded Wall Street estimates, with revenue of $17.67 billion and adjusted earnings of $1.99 per share. However, the carrier warned that a sharp increase in fuel costs, which have risen by $575 million since early July, could add approximately $6 billion in additional fuel expenses for 2026 compared to its initial outlook. The company guided third-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.50 to $3.50 per share and full-year 2026 earnings of $9 to $11 per share. United expects to recover 80% to 90% of higher fuel costs in the third quarter and fully recover them by the fourth quarter. The airline also plans to reduce fourth-quarter capacity due to FAA restrictions at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. United ended the quarter with $19.6 billion in liquidity and prepaid about $1 billion of higher-cost debt.
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