United Airlines moved from warning about the fuel shock to making concrete schedule cuts, saying on 20 March it will reduce scheduled capacity by about 5% in the second and third quarters of 2026 as it plans for a prolonged period of elevated oil prices. Reuters reported the airline is preparing for oil to remain above $100 a barrel through 2027, with CEO Scott Kirby warning staff that prices could briefly reach $175, a scenario that would sharply raise United’s fuel bill. The carrier said the cuts will focus on less profitable flying, including some off-peak, midweek, and overnight services, showing that the industry’s fuel crisis is no longer just a pricing issue but is now forcing major network airlines to reshape their schedules to protect margins.
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