World’s Top 20 Airlines Lose $53B After War
Since the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, the combined market value of the world’s 20 largest publicly traded airlines has fallen by approximately $53 billion. The decline is being described as the most serious financial shock to the global aviation industry since the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Financial Times, airspace restrictions in the Middle East and growing operational uncertainty have placed significant pressure on airlines since the start of the conflict. At the same time, jet fuel prices have nearly doubled, substantially increasing operating costs.
Major carriers worldwide have been forced to reassess schedules and capacity plans due to mounting financial pressure. Analysts warn that higher costs could be passed on to passengers through fare increases, potentially weakening travel demand during the summer 2026 season.
Among the largest publicly traded airlines affected are Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Lufthansa Group, Air France-KLM, International Airlines Group, Southwest Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Air China, Türk Hava Yolları, easyJet, and Wizz Air.
