US airlines’ monthly fuel spending topped $6 billion again in May, up 84% from year ago

U.S. airlines spent $6.66 billion on jet fuel in May, an 84% increase from May 2025, driven by higher fuel prices despite a 0.6% decline in consumption. Rising costs have led airlines to raise fares, cut flights, and face vulnerability due to energy price volatility linked to the Middle East conflict and the Strait of Hormuz disruptions.