U.S. airlines spent $6.66 billion dollars on jet fuel in May 2026, marking the second consecutive month that fuel costs exceeded $6 billion, according to data released Tuesday by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
That total was up 84% from May 2025.
Airlines spent $6.47 billion on fuel in April 2026, the agency said.
The sharp increase in spending was driven largely by higher fuel prices rather than increased consumption. U.S. carriers used 1.627 billion gallons of jet fuel in May, down 0.6% from a year earlier. Fuel consumption in April also edged lower compared with the same month in 2025.
Airlines paid an average of $4.09 per gallon for jet fuel in May, slightly below April’s average of $4.11 but 85% higher than the $2.21 per gallon paid a year earlier.
The surge in fuel costs has prompted airlines worldwide to raise fares, increase ancillary fees and reduce flight schedules. Fuel remains one of the industry’s largest operating expenses, making carriers especially sensitive to fluctuations in energy prices.
The higher prices followed disruptions to global oil markets after conflict in the Middle East earlier this year affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for crude oil and refined fuel exports.
Jet fuel prices have retreated from their spring peak following an interim ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, easing some pressure on airline operating costs. However, the agreement remains uncertain.
On Tuesday, the British military reported that three commercial tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States revoked a license that had permitted certain Iranian oil sales under the ceasefire arrangement.
Jet fuel averaged $2.88 a gallon Tuesday across the major airline hubs of Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York, according to the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index.
Prices have remained below $3 a gallon since June 15th, the first time they fell beneath that level since early March.
