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Alaska Air announces bigger losses in the first quarter due to fuel prices surging

Alaska Air Group estimated on Monday a larger first-quarter loss as higher fuel costs?due the Iran War added to pressures from a?weaker?demand in?parts?of its network.

Benchmark Brent has risen by 58% in the last month. This is the biggest monthly increase since 1988. It also exceeds gains during the Gulf War of 1990.

Alaska Air stated that economic fuel prices will?average $2.9 to $3 per galon, creating a "incremental" loss of earnings per share of at least $0.7.

The recent oil price spike may be the first financial'stress test' for U.S. Airlines since the pandemic. Weaker carriers are more likely to shrink or borrow, while stronger competitors continue to?invest and gain?marketshare.

Alaska Air expects a first-quarter adjusted loss between $1.5 and 2 per share, as opposed to its previous estimate from 50 cents up to $1.5.

In premarket trading, shares of the company fell by 1.1%.

Alaska Airlines said that the strong demand it has seen since late 2025, was recently affected by external factors, such as a drop in Mexico travel because of unrest at 'Puerto Vallarta, and severe rainfall and flooding in Hawaii. These events together account for approximately 30% of Alaska's capacity.

The company stated that "impacts can be seen both in March and April, as well as during the peak West Coast Spring Break travel periods."

It said that corporate demand was still a major factor, with bookings for the next 90 days increasing by more than 25%.

The airline said that it was well positioned to handle peak travel during its strongest season.

(source: Reuters)