U.S. airports may face long security lines as early as next month after the homeland security chief announced 'on Tuesday' that he would run out of money in order to pay for 50,000 workers because of a partial shutdown of the government. Donald Trump directed DHS in late March to use emergency funding to pay Transportation Security Administration employees who had been without paychecks for six weeks. This caused disruptions at U.S. Airports. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on "Fox and Friends," Tuesday, that the funds would run out in early May. Mullin stated that "that money will be...

Alaska Air Group announced on Tuesday that strong travel demand, higher fares and a sharp rise in fuel prices are helping to offset the?rise. The airline also lowered its outlook for the full year and warned about a severe hit to earnings during the second quarter. The surge in jet-fuel prices after the Iran War is the first real stress test for the airline industry since the pandemic. Profits are squeezed even though demand remains steady. The airlines sell their seats in advance, and can't raise the price quickly. This leaves them "exposed" when fuel prices rise. Alaska Airlines said...

After a social media post by JetBlue Airways sparked concern, two?Democratic legislators asked the airline to explain if it used customer data to set ticket pricing. JetBlue's X -account - suggested to a customer on Saturday that they try clearing "cache and cookie" or booking incognito after the customer complained of a $230 price increase after just one day. The customer claimed they were "trying to make it to a burial." JetBlue did not comment immediately on the letter but told? On Monday, JetBlue said that the letter sent to a customer in response was an error. Prices are not...

Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said on Tuesday that he opposed a potential merger between United Airlines & American Airlines. This would have reshaped the U.S. aviation industry. Trump told CNBC that he doesn't mind mergers, and added that he "would love someone to buy" Spirit Airlines which is currently in bankruptcy. "But American is doing well, and United does very well." I know United, and they are doing well. He said, "I don't want them to merge." Trump's opposition highlights the political and economic risk of backing a deal that antitrust experts claim would cut competition in a market...

Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he would love to see a low-cost airline, Spirit Airlines, acquire the bankrupt carrier. He also said it was possible for the federal government to get involved. I'd love for someone to buy Spirit. Trump said on CNBC that the federal government could help with this one, as it's 14,000 people. Spirit's bankruptcy plan was under renewed pressure last week after a sharp increase in jet fuel prices weakened key assumptions behind its restructuring. Spirit did not respond immediately to a comment request. Sources say that USDOT has held discussions with major airline companies...

GE Aerospace announced on Tuesday that it is on track to reach the top end of its profit forecast for 2026, but it is bracing itself for a more challenging backdrop?of higher oil prices, fuel shortages and slower growth globally, despite not expecting a recession. The warning from the engine manufacturer comes at a time when a rise in jet fuel costs following the Iran War is emerging as a new stress test for airlines, its main customers. This will squeeze margins and lead to capacity cuts in certain markets. GE Aerospace's forecast of adjusted profit between $7.10 and $7.40...

The U.S. and Israeli war against Iran, which has pushed up jet fuel prices, has shook the aviation industry around the world. Airlines have been forced to increase fares and re-evaluate their financial forecasts. In recent weeks, jet fuel prices have increased from $85-$90 per barrel up to $150-$200 per barrel. This is a major financial blow to an industry where fuel can account for as much as a quarter or more of its operating costs. Here is an alphabetical list of the ways airlines are responding to this issue: AEGEAN AIRLINES The Greek airline anticipates that the suspension of...

Uber was ordered to pay $5,000 by a federal jury in North Carolina, on Monday. The woman claimed that she had been sexually assaulted while riding with a driver booked via the Uber app. The jury verdict in?Raleigh North Carolina's followed a trial which began on April 14. The verdict comes after another jury in Arizona awarded $8.5 Million to a woman who claimed that an Uber driver raped and abused her when she was 19 years old. The jury may be more inclined to hold Uber responsible for the assaults of drivers in other cases, even though Monday's verdict...

Alaska Air Group has withdrawn its full-year forecast due to sky-high jet fuel costs caused by the Iran War and its 'chokehold' on global oil supplies. This is causing margins to be hammered, and the outlook for the future is clouded. The cost of jet fuel has risen dramatically after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran cut off the Strait of Hormuz - a vital artery used for oil shipments around the world. This is the industry's worst shock since the COVID-19 Pandemic. Since the start of the conflict, prices for jet fuel have nearly doubled, leaving carriers unable to...

The CEOs of the major low-cost airlines are scheduled to meet with?U.S. officials on Tuesday. Transportation Secretary Sean 'Duffy and the CEOs of major low-cost?airlines are set to meet on Tuesday with the U.S. Last week, a group of representatives from Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air and Sun Country emailed leaders in Congress to ask them to pass legislation suspending the 7.5% federal excise tax and $5.30 segment tax. The Association of Value Airlines said that waiving the fees would offset approximately one-third the cost increase of jet fuel. Jonathon Freye, the executive director of the group, wrote to...

JetBlue Airways CEO Joanna Geraghty said that the carrier would not be considering bankruptcy this year. This was according to a memo viewed by on Monday. The cost of jet fuel has risen dramatically after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which disrupted the Strait of Hormuz - a vital waterway for oil flow around the world. This is the biggest shock to the aviation industry since the COVID-19 epidemic. New York's carrier secured a $500-million debt financing commitment backed by 22 aircraft with the option to raise $250-million more using additional planes as collateral. Geraghty stated in an internal...

Facua, a Spanish consumer group, demanded an investigation on Monday into the low-cost carrier Volotea’s new pricing policy that links ticket prices with fuel costs. This could result in a possible post-purchase charge of up to 16 euros. Volotea in Spain's northern Asturias region introduced the temporary policy a few days ago after oil & jet fuel prices soared because of the U.S. - Israel war on Iran. The company said that 97% customers have since decided to continue with their travel plans. Facua reports that it's the first Spanish airline to implement surcharges. Facua asked Spain's Consumer Affairs Ministry...