Airlines say high fares may last even if the Iran war ends, as fuel costs squeeze their profits
The New York Times reported on Saturday, Oct. 24, that ticket prices jumped after fuel costs spiked because of the war with Iran, but that airlines say even an end to the conflict will not bring fares back down quickly. NBC News reported on Friday, Oct. 23, that U.S. airlines are choosing higher fares over fuller planes as fuel costs squeeze their profits. Fox Business reported the same day that American Airlines says airfares could stay elevated even if fuel prices drop. The reports reviewed do not give specific fare figures or a forecast for when prices may fall.
When fuel is a large share of an airline’s costs, the carriers can protect profits by raising fares instead of filling more seats, which is the choice NBC News describes. That is also why the Times reports airlines saying fares will not fall quickly even if the war ends.
If you plan to fly, the reports suggest fares may stay high for a while, so booking early and comparing carriers is the practical response. The reports reviewed do not say how much fares have risen on any route.
The airlines’ view, as the Times and Fox Business report it, is that fares will stay elevated even if fuel prices drop or the conflict ends. On this view, higher prices are a lasting adjustment to higher costs.
The traveler-side view comes from NBC News’s reporting that airlines favor higher fares over fuller planes, which means fewer seats are sold at higher prices. On this view, passengers bear the cost of the airlines’ choice to protect profits.
Confirmed across outlets: fares rose after fuel costs spiked, and airlines say they may stay elevated. Not confirmed: how long the higher fares will last or how much more travelers are paying. Watch for airline earnings commentary and fuel prices.
DailyDrop U.S. No. 20 · October 24, 2026 · Evening