United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby expects airfares to keep rising gradually in the first half of 2027, even as fuel prices ease, with demand still holding up strongly. The outlook comes as the carrier continues to position its network and pricing around higher operating costs and a market that has not shown signs of softening.
Kirby told reporters in Newark, New Jersey, that fare increases should be smaller than the jumps seen in 2026. He also pointed to robust demand as the reason United can still absorb higher fuel expenses, while saying tickets remain below pre-pandemic inflation-adjusted levels by about 13%.
The comments suggest airlines may continue passing through fuel pressure without needing to cut fares, supporting margins and forward pricing across the sector. Kirby framed the expected move in fares as part of a broader normalisation toward levels that allow airlines to remain profitable and keep investing.