Air France-KLM Raises Fares, Trims Growth as Fuel Bill Jumps to $9.3 Billion

Overview

• Air France-KLM now projects 2026 fuel spending of $9.3 billion, which is $2.4 billion more than in 2025.
• The group raised ticket prices, froze administrative hiring, limited new roles to operational jobs, and cut capacity growth guidance to 2%–4%.
• First-quarter results showed revenue of about €7.5 billion, an operating loss narrowed to €27 million, and passenger traffic up 2.3%.
• KLM will operate 80 fewer round-trip flights to and from Amsterdam Schiphol next month because jet-fuel costs have surged.
• Oil volatility tied to risks around the Strait of Hormuz pushed Brent near $126 before easing to about $110, which is now spilling into consumer goods as Unilever plans selective price hikes for cleaning products in emerging markets.