United to cut 5% of scheduled flights amid high fuel costs

United Airlines will cut about 5% of its scheduled flights as it responds to surging fuel costs tied to the Middle East conflict. CEO Scott Kirby said the carrier is "tactically pruning" what it calls "temporarily unprofitable" routes to protect margins. The airline plans to reduce roughly 3% of off-peak flights over the second and third quarters of 2026, with red-eyes and low-traffic days prioritized.

United expects to restore its full schedule by fall 2026. Kirby warned of steep fuel costs: "If prices stayed at this level, it would mean an extra $11 billion in annual expense just for jet fuel.

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