United Airlines tops Q2 estimates but warns of nearly $6 billion fuel-cost hit from the oil surge

After the US market close on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, United Airlines reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.99 per share on revenue of $17.67 billion, both above analyst expectations of $1.88 and $17.61 billion. Net income under US accounting standards was $805 million, or $2.46 per diluted share, down more than 17 percent from a year earlier.

Aircraft fuel expense jumped 84 percent from last year to $5.11 billion in the quarter, at an average $4.19 per gallon. The airline said higher oil prices tied to the Strait of Hormuz tensions could add close to $6 billion to its full-year fuel bill. United raised its full-year adjusted profit outlook to $9 to $11 per share, but guided third-quarter earnings to $2.50 to $3.50, below the $3.60 analysts expected, sending the stock down about 4 percent after hours.