Korean Air Lines reported a 34% decline in second-quarter operating profit to 261.8 billion won, despite posting record Q2 revenue of 5.02 trillion won, up 26% year-on-year. The profit contraction stems from soaring jet fuel costs and softer outbound demand, particularly on long-haul international routes, which eroded margins even as passenger revenue rose 19% and cargo demand surged. The airline swung to a net loss of 97.3 billion won for the quarter, reversing a net income of 395.9 billion won in the prior year. This marks the first Q2 operating profit drop in recent years, underscoring how fuel inflation can override revenue growth across the sector, a trend mirrored at Delta Air Lines with its highest historical fuel expenses.