United Airlines to Cut 5% of Flights as Fuel Costs Surge Amid Middle East Conflict

United Airlines is moving forward with plans to cut 5% of its flights to mitigate surging operational costs and geopolitical pressures. The company is now preparing for a stress-test scenario where oil prices reach $175 per barrel and remain above $100 through next year. Jet fuel prices have more than doubled in just three weeks, a trend that could add $11 billion in annual expenses if current price levels persist. CEO Scott Kirby characterized this sudden cost spike as the aviation industry's most severe shock since the COVID-19 pandemic. To manage these headwinds, the carrier is 'tactically pruning' its schedule, specifically targeting red-eye and low-traffic flights to optimize efficiency. Analysts warn that these massive cost increases will weigh heavily on revenue growth and overall profitability for United and broader industry ETFs like JETS.