Airlines face profit crash: 2026 earnings nearly halved as fuel shock hits aviation

Global airlines face a profit plunge in 2026, nearly halving earnings to $23 billion due to soaring fuel costs and Middle East conflict disruptions. Despite strong passenger demand and projected record revenues exceeding $1.1 trillion, profitability per passenger is expected to drop significantly. This geopolitical instability and rising operational expenses are reshaping the industry's financial outlook.