BTS: February U.S. Airline Fuel Costs Down 6.2% From Jan.


   
Barani Krishnan
DTN Refined Fuels Market Reporter

   SECAUCUS, NJ (DTN)-- U.S. airlines consumed 1.352 billion gallons of 
aviation fuel in February 2026, a 6.2% decline from January, according to data 
released Monday (4/6) by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

   The reduction in volume helped drive total fuel expenditure down 4.7% to 
$3.23 billion for the month, despite a 1.6% rise in the average cost per gallon.

   February's cost per gallon rose to $2.39 from $2.35 in January, though 
prices remained 2.3% lower than the $2.45 per gallon average recorded in 
February 2025.

   Year-over-year consumption also showed a slight decline of 0.5% compared to 
the 1.358 billion gallons used during the same period last year, BTS reported.

   Fuel remains one of the single largest operating costs for U.S. airlines, 
routinely accounting for 20% to 25% of total expenses across the domestic 
industry.

   The BTS data covers scheduled service only and reflects fuel paid for by the 
carrier, with figures reported in current dollars and subject to future 
revision.

    




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