Asia-Pacific airlines’ 2025 profit rises to $12.1 billion, but jet fuel spikes above $200 a barrel in April 2026
Data from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) show Asia-Pacific carriers posted net profit of $12.1 billion in 2025, but intensified geopolitical conflict in 2026 has driven jet fuel prices sharply higher. Jet fuel briefly climbed above $200 per barrel in April and was still at $127.06 per barrel on July 10, up 43% from last year’s average. Philippine Airlines (PAL) saw first-quarter net income decline, while Cebu Pacific swung to a loss, reflecting mounting cost pressure. Higher fuel costs are lifting airlines’ operating expenses, weighing on airline stocks and supporting crude prices.