# Airfare Rises 30% in Five Months as Iran Conflict Drives Jet Fuel Costs

_Jun 10 14:40_

Tags: Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Iran, United States, airline, devaluation, industry news

BLS data shows airfare up 26.7% year-over-year and 30% in the last five months, driven by jet fuel costs from the Iran conflict and carrier pricing strategies

## Summary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released May 2026 CPI data showing airfare costs have surged. Year-over-year, airfare is up 26.7%, with the index rising from 253.714 to 329.824. Over the past five months alone, costs have increased 30.0%. The primary driver cited is skyrocketing jet fuel prices due to the Iran conflict, compounded by legacy carriers' pricing strategies to maintain higher fares even if oil prices drop. United CEO Scott Kirby noted that pricing increases are likely to hold. The article also mentions Spirit Airlines' recent liquidation as a factor reducing affordable capacity

## Why it matters

Affects 2 airline programs (Spirit Airlines, United Airlines).

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/iran-war-fuels-skyrocketing-airfare) — Iran War Fuels Skyrocketing Airfare: Data Shows 30% Increase In Five Months

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