Fuel costs for US airlines jumped 85 per cent in May to nearly $6.7 billion as the Middle East conflict drove up prices, Reuters reports citing the US Department of Transportation (USDOT).

USDOT says airlines spent $3.62 billion on fuel in May 2025 compared with $6.66bn in the same month this year.

The cost per gallon of fuel in May was $4.09, up $1.88 over May 2025, the department adds.

Jet fuel costs in recent weeks have fallen sharply as tensions ease between Iran and the United States.