U.S. airline fuel costs surged 85% in May 2026, reaching $6.7 billion against $3.62 billion in May 2025, driven by Middle East tensions disrupting the Strait of Hormuz. Jet fuel prices peaked at $4.09 per gallon in May, up $1.88 from the prior year, with April 2026 already showing a 78% YoY increase to $6.5 billion. Operators rerouted flights to avoid restricted airspace near Iran, increasing fuel burn and straining capacity. Six domestic routes were suspended as profitability eroded, while ticket prices rose 5.5% since February. IATA forecasts global fuel bills hitting $350 billion in 2026, with fuel constituting over 31% of operating expenses, forcing further schedule cuts and hiring limits despite sustained pilot demand.