American Airlines and United Airlines are reducing or slowing capacity growth as higher fuel costs pressure profitability amid the continuing war in Iran. American CFO Devon May said the carrier would adjust late-fourth-quarter capacity, while CEO Robert Isom said further planning changes could be required if prices remain elevated. American expects third-quarter revenue growth of 16% to 19%, but fuel costs have risen by $1 billion for the fourth quarter. Isom said the refining crack spread had tripled, amplifying the impact beyond crude oil prices; the average jet fuel crack spread was $67.80 a barrel on Sept. 11, down from $74.17 the previous week. United CFO Michael Leskinen said the airline had already cut marginal routes, would cancel some December flights and could make further adjustments into the first quarter and through 2027 if fuel prices stay high. Southwest Airlines has also roughly halved planned 2026 seat-capacity growth. Resilient demand, higher fares and premium products have offset much of the fuel shock, but airlines are prioritizing profitability over market share and reassessing weaker routes.