Major U.S. airline cuts popular routes out of LAX over spiking fuel prices

American Airlines is suspending six North American routes due to elevated jet fuel prices driven by the ongoing war in Iran, with four of the routes operating from Los Angeles International (LAX). The airline plans to pause LAX-CLE, LAX-CMH, LAX-PIT, and LAX-IAD, and also suspend CLT-ONT and CLT-SMF. The suspensions will take effect from August 5 through October 5. The affected markets reportedly handle heavy traffic, and last year the combined markets saw more than 1.4 million round-trip passengers, according to DOT data.

American says travelers on affected routes will be offered alternative arrangements or refunds under its policy. The airline says the capacity adjustments are seasonal as it refines its growth for 2026, and it emphasizes the network remains industry-leading with more flights than any other U.S. carrier. Reuters notes the carrier expects its jet-fuel bill to rise by over $4 billion this year. Norse Atlantic Airways previously scrapped all LAX summer flights amid rising fuel costs.