Airline CEO sparks backlash after revealing what’s really driving sky-high ticket prices

Delta CEO Ed Bastian is facing backlash over comments suggesting fares may not drop even if fuel costs ease.(Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The ongoing war in Iran has disrupted a key global oil supply route, spiking airfare in recent weeks.About 20% of the world’s oil usually passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is now under a U.S.naval blockade that has sharply reduced ship traffic, making it a key factor driving up airline fuel costs, according to industry reporting.

Analysts say some airline carriers have already tacked fuel surcharges onto longer routes, while others haveraised baggage feesto offset rising expenses.

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Delta alone expects its fuel bill to jump by about $2 billion this quarter afterjet fuel priceshave spiked dramatically since late February, according to CNBC.

Rising jet fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict are pushing airlines to increase fares and fees.(iStock)

But Bastian’s remarks about what happens next quickly sparked outrage across social media.

“Delta CEO saying the quiet part out loud,” one widely shared post on X said, accusing the airline of using the crisis topermanently raise prices.

Strong travel demand is helping airlines maintain higher ticket prices despite rising costs.(Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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Another user criticized the broader airline industry, writing that companies “never miss a chance to price gouge,” while others pointed to past government bailouts and consolidation among major carriers.

according to CNBC.

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Passengers present their boarding passes to a gate agent as they board a United Airlines plane at Denver International Airport in Denver, Colo.(Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

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The airline, however, is not the only one warning of steepfare hikes.

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reported this week.

CEO Scott Kirby said the airline aims to “recover 100%” of increased fuel costs, while other executives indicated fares may need to stay elevated and could become more permanent if high fuel prices persist.