American Airlines cuts 2026 profit forecast again due to high fuel costs

At the start of 2026, American Airlines expected to be roughly break-even for 2026. In July, the company lowered its 2026 profit forecast to a loss of 65 cents per share to a profit of 65 cents per share. On October 22, American Airlines lowered its 2026 profit forecast again, expecting a full-year loss of between $1.60 and $1 per share, due to soaring fuel costs. On October 23, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said that despite fuel costs increasing by $7 billion during the year, the company still believes it can be profitable in 2027, and said that without this fuel expense it could have been solidly profitable. American Airlines same day expected its full-year loss to widen, with fourth-quarter fuel prices reaching up to $4.70 per gallon. The company is upgrading the passenger experience to attract premium travelers.