American Airlines To Suspend Six Summer Routes As High Jet Fuel Costs Pressure Operations

American Airlines said it will temporarily halt select August and September routes, including several flights from Los Angeles and Charlotte, as rising fuel costs affect airline expenses.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

American Airlines will temporarily suspend six routes late this summer as elevated jet fuel prices continue to pressure the airline’s operating costs.

The Texas-based carrier said Thursday that the affected flights will be paused in August and September, according to the Associated Press. The airline described the move as a temporary suspension of “select routes” and said customers impacted by the changes will either be placed on alternate flights or offered refunds.

American Airlines said the route reductions do not change its broader network position, noting that it continues to operate more flights than any other U.S. airline.

The temporary cuts include six routes, according to CBS News. Four of the suspended routes originate in Los Angeles, with service to Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh and Washington Dulles. The remaining two routes run from Charlotte to Ontario and from Charlotte to Sacramento.

The company said high fuel costs were a factor in the decision. Jet fuel makes up about 30% of an airline’s total expenses, making sustained price increases a significant budget concern for carriers.

The move comes as other airlines are also adjusting operations in response to fuel prices. Some carriers have canceled flights, reduced schedules, raised fees or scaled back passenger perks as they try to manage higher operating costs.

American Airlines said travelers booked on the affected routes will be contacted with options to complete their trips through other flights or receive refunds where applicable.