Jet fuel price surge adds $100B cost, pushing airlines toward crisis with profits halving in 2026.

The global airline industry faces a $100 billion increase in jet fuel costs due to a Middle East conflict, threatening its post-pandemic recovery. Fuel prices surged over 100% in March, forcing airlines to cut less profitable routes and causing major losses like EasyJet's £552 million pre-tax loss. Aging aircraft add $11 billion in extra fuel costs, worsening financial strain. Industry profits are expected to drop from $43-45 billion in 2025 to $23 billion in 2026, with net margins shrinking to 2%, risking more bankruptcies and route cuts unless fuel prices ease or new planes arrive faster.