Airlines

Published Wed, Oct 21 2026 4:36 PM EDT Updated Wed, Oct 21 2026 5:07 PM EDT

Key Points

Southwest cut its 2026 profit forecast as another jump in fuel prices is eating into its bottom line.

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines also cut their profit outlooks this month.

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said travel demand remains strong despite higher fares.

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 airplane departs from San Diego International Airport on May 27, 2026.

Kevin Carter | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Southwest Airlines became the third major U.S. airline this month to cut its 2026 profit forecast due to higher fuel prices, but CEO Bob Jordan said travelers continue to book despite higher fares.

The carrier expects to earn between $2.60 and $2.85 a share on an adjusted basis this year, down from its forecast in July of between $3.25 to as much as $4.25 a share.

Here's what Southwest reported for third quarter compared with Wall Street expectations, according to consensus estimates from…