American's Fuel Spike Outran Record Revenue. Growth Slows.

American Airlines on October 22, 2026, forecast a deeper full-year loss after record revenue failed to offset this year's fuel spike. CNBC reported the outlook before the opening bell.

The carrier expects an adjusted loss of $1 to $1.60 a share. In July its range ran from a 65-cent profit to a 65-cent loss. It plans to slow capacity growth next year. Shares were down about 4% in premarket trading. The report did not list new fares or dropped routes.

Higher fuel raises the cost of flying the same seats. Record sales can still leave a loss when revenue lags that cost. Fewer added seats next year can support fares if demand holds, but that effect is not measured here. The update is separate from United's earlier disclosure that its fuel bill and fare yields had already risen. A forecast does not reprice a ticket already purchased.

Could this forecast change a ticket you already bought? No purchased-ticket change was announced. The new facts are a wider loss range and slower capacity growth next year.