Airlines' monthly fuel spend topped $6 billion again in May, up 84% from year ago

Airlines’ monthly fuel spend topped $6 billion again in May, highlighting how jet-fuel pricing remains the dominant driver of operating costs in the United States. U.S. carriers spent $6.66 billion on jet fuel in May, the second consecutive month above $6 billion, according to data released Tuesday by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. That total was up 84% from May 2025. April spending was $6.47 billion. Airlines used 1.627 billion gallons in May, down 0.6% year over year, while the average price paid for fuel fell slightly to $4.09 per gallon from $4.11 in April. However, the May price was still 85% higher than the $2.21 per gallon paid in May 2025. The report links higher costs to disruptions tied to the Middle East conflict and the Strait of Hormuz, while noting prices eased after an interim U.S.-Iran ceasefire; British military reporting said projectiles struck three tankers Tuesday.