A technician prepares to refuel a Delta Airlines aircraft at the Austin-Bergrstrom International Airport on April 10, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

Brandon Bell | Getty Images

U.S. airlines spent 56.4% more on jet fuel in March, the month after the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran began, than they did in February, U.S. government data released Wednesday show.

U.S. carriers spent $5.06 billion on fuel in March, up from $3.23 billion in February. It was 30% more than what they paid in March 2025, according to the Department of Transportation .

Airlines have lowered or scrapped their 2026 forecasts altogether because of the spike in fuel, their biggest expense after labor.…