2026 was shaping up to be a strong year for the airline industry. After some uncertainty in 2025 due to tariffs and geopolitical shocks, the industry had largely seen a rebound, fueled by premium and international travel. But now, with the war in Iran, airlines are worrying about surging fuel prices and a potential dip in international travel.
Even on Friday, the stocks of the biggest U.S. airlines continued to plunge. American’s stock was down nearly 5%; Delta and United were both down nearly 4%. Jet fuel prices soared to near $4 a gallon this past week. The Trump administration has said the war in Iran could last at least four to five weeks. Airlines are already anticipating they will take a hit to their first-quarter earnings. And travelers can now expect airfares to surge in response to rising fuel prices.
This explores the state of play for loyalty in the aviation industry, and particularly, how travel protection represents a clear example of a highly valuable offer in this context, as peace of mind is at a premium during a time of broader uncertainty and change.
EDITOR’S PICKS
Heathrow’s Flight Emissions Have Dropped 7%, Third Runway Closer Than Ever
by Darin Graham
March 6, 2026
The race is on to push Heathrow’s expansion plans through regulation and planning. But the airport’s case for a third runway relies heavily on sustainable aviation fuel and aviation still faces major challenges scaling the technology needed to decarbonize.
Has Europe’s Cleanest Jet Fuel Plant Got Bankability?
by Darin Graham
March 6, 2026
Making green jet fuel from carbon dioxide and water is no longer theoretical. The only problem is how to scale it to service airlines and meet binding mandates.
After Kristi Noem, What Does a New DHS Chief Mean for the Travel Industry?
by Sarah Kopit
March 6, 2026
With a new DHS secretary incoming, here’s what the travel industry can expect to change — and what almost certainly won't.
Steady Succession or Seismic Shift? Delta Shakes Up C-Suite
by Meghna Maharishi
March 6, 2026
The changes come as Ed Bastian enters his second decade as CEO of the airline — he could be working to ensure the company’s business model thrives beyond the current generation of executives.
Lufthansa Group CEO Warns European Dependence on Gulf Hubs is ‘Achilles’ Heel’
by Gordon Smith
March 6, 2026
As a nightmare week for Gulf airlines drags on, Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr argues Europe must reduce its reliance on Middle East hubs to connect with the world.
Turkish Airlines Chairman: ‘Disciplined Growth’ Will Define Next Phase
by Gordon Smith
March 5, 2026
Turkish Airlines is dialing back the pace of expansion – shifting toward profitability and network quality while still pursuing its global ambitions ahead of the carrier’s 2033 centenary.
Indian Airlines Continue To Adjust Routes During Iran War
by Bulbul Dhawan
March 5, 2026
As war continues in the Middle East develops, Indian airlines are cautiously working to ensure safety of passengers and crew, without ramping up costs.
300% Increase In Private Jet Demand In UAE, Charter Provider Claims
by Deepthi Nair
March 5, 2026
The ongoing war in the Middle East has led to airspace closures and grounded planes, causing ticket prices to surge on high demand, increased fuel costs and rising insurance premiums.
Google Partners With Airline Systems to Track Lost Bags
by Adriana Lee
March 3, 2026
Airlines used to control baggage tracking. Now passengers do. SITA is wiring that shift directly into the industry’s recovery system.
Indian Airlines Roll Out Middle East Flights for Stranded Travelers
by Bulbul Dhawan
March 3, 2026
As the situation in Iran and the Middle East remains uncertain, Indian airlines have taken on the responsibility for returning stranded passengers.
SKIFT PODCAST NETWORK
In a week when the world's busiest international airline ground to a halt and Gulf hubs faced aerial attack, Airline Weekly’s Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat explore the impact of the Iran war on the aviation industry. In part two, we take a closer look at the latest earnings from Qantas and Virgin Australia.
SKIFT RESEARCH | DATA
Market Performance
