As Summer Travel Ramps Up, Duckworth Joins Welch, Colleagues in Raising Alarm on How Trump’s War in Iran Has Impacted Air Travel

As Summer Travel Ramps Up, Duckworth Joins Welch, Colleagues in Raising Alarm on How Trump's War in Iran Has Impacted Air Travel

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)-Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation-joins U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and other Senate Democratic colleagues in expressing serious concern to Airlines for America (A4A) about the impact skyrocketing jet fuel prices have on American consumers and the airline industry. In their letter to President and CEO of A4A Chris Sununu, the Senators requested information about the impact the war with Iran is having on their members, the measures airlines plan to take in response to higher jet fuel costs and how rising prices will hurt the broader air travel industry. A4A's member airlines include: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Atlas Air Worldwide, Delta Airlines, FedEx, JetBlue, Southwest, United and the United Parcel Service (UPS).

"Airlines are already taking steps in response to increased input costs. All major U.S. carriers raised checked baggage fees in April. United CEO Scott Kirby recently stated that the airline could increase ticket prices by as much as 20% in response to the current oil market dynamics," the Senators continued. "Delta announced route reductions beginning in June. Last week, JetBlue announced route reductions and the termination of service at select airports amid the current 'capacity crisis.'"

In the letter, the Senators underscore that American families are facing higher costs across all areas: "As you know, rising jet fuel prices are dramatically increasing travel costs for American consumers and input costs for your member airlines… The war with Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, leading to the largest energy supply disruption in history. Approximately 20% of global jet fuel passes through the Strait. In addition, nearly a third of global crude supply passes through the Strait-up to 10% of which is also refined into jet fuel in other regions. Gasoline prices have increased by 50% in the last two months, and jet fuel prices have more than doubled since February 28. Forecasts estimate that airlines will face up to $24.1 billion in additional fuel expenses in 2026."

The Senators request a briefing from President and CEO Sununu and representatives from A4A member airlines, in addition to answers to their questions by June 17, 2026.

A copy of the full letter to Airlines for America President and CEO Sununu is available on Senator Welch's website and below:

Dear Governor Sununu,

As you know, rising jet fuel prices are dramatically increasing travel costs for American consumers and input costs for your member airlines. We are writing to request information from the member airlines of your organization regarding the measures they plan to take in response to higher jet fuel costs, and how rising prices will impact the broader air travel industry.

The war with Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, leading to the largest energy supply disruption in history. Approximately 20% of global jet fuel passes through the Strait.^[1] In addition, nearly a third of global crude supply passes through the Strait-up to 10% of which is also refined into jet fuel in other regions.^[2]

Gasoline prices have increased by 50% in the last two months, and jet fuel prices have more than doubled since February 28.^[3],[4] Forecasts estimate that airlines will face up to $24.1 billion in additional fuel expenses in 2026.^[5]

Airlines are already taking steps in response to increased input costs. All major U.S. carriers raised checked baggage fees in April.^[6] United CEO Scott Kirby recently stated that the airline could increase ticket prices by as much as 20% in response to the current oil market dynamics.^[7] Delta announced route reductions beginning in June.^[8] Last week, JetBlue announced route reductions and the termination of service at select airports amid the current "capacity crisis."^[9]

We are concerned about consumer access to safe and affordable air travel as we head into a busy summer travel season. We request responses to the following questions by June 17, 2026, and by the same date, a briefing by you and representatives from A4A member airlines on current market forecasts and projections as the Strait of Hormuz crisis continues:

• How do jet fuel prices affect route economics and air service decisions, particularly as it concerns small- and medium-sized airports?
• What steps have A4A members taken to prevent future airline ticket increases, route reductions, and flight cancellations at small- and medium-sized airports?
• If the Strait of Hormuz reopens tomorrow, how long do you expect it will be before jet fuel prices come down?
• Are any A4A member airlines considering measures such as delaying investments, pausing hiring, increasing baggage fees, or increasing ticket prices to address the jet fuel price increases? If so, please identify which measures are under consideration.
• The Iran war energy crisis has already ended operations for Spirit Airlines. Are any A4A members also at risk of bankruptcy or closure should the war in Iran continue through the summer and into the fall?

We appreciate your time and look forward to your responses.

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