Latest news with #UnitedAirlines
Iraqi News
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
US airlines suspend flights to UAE and Qatar
Dubai ( – The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel is putting Gulf countries—including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—at heightened risk, leading to widespread disruption in regional air travel. In response to growing security concerns, American Airlines has suspended its daily flights between the United States and Doha, Qatar, after the U.S. embassy in Doha advised citizens and diplomatic staff to remain vigilant and maintain a low profile. As Washington mulls whether to assist in the war, satellite data indicates that dozens of U.S. military aircraft are no longer visible on the runway at a key American airbase in Qatar. This might be a preventative measure to protect the aircraft from prospective Iranian missile attacks. United Airlines also halted its daily route between Dubai and Newark Liberty International Airport, pledging to resume operations when conditions improve. Air France-KLM and Air Canada have canceled several flights this week to destinations across the Gulf, including Riyadh, Dubai, and Doha, amid the deteriorating security environment. Meanwhile, flights to and from Iraq remain suspended by airlines such as Emirates, flydubai, Middle East Airlines (MEA), and others, as Iraqi airspace remains closed due to the ongoing regional threat.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
United, American suspend some flights from U.S. to Middle East
Some airlines have continued to suspend flights between the United States and the Middle East amid the conflict between Israel and Iran. United Airlines said it will pause its daily flights between New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport and Dubai "due to conflict in the region." The airline did not say when flights between the two destinations might resume. United only flies to Dubai through Newark Airport. American Airlines said it would temporarily suspend flights between Philadelphia International Airport and Doha, Qatar. The suspension will last through June 22, an American Airlines spokesperson told CBS News. The last flight from Philadelphia to Doha before the suspension took off early Thursday morning, the airline said. Delta Air Lines said last week that it had suspended flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Tel Aviv, Israel. The suspension is currently set to last until Aug. 31, the airline said. Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel's major airport, is currently closed. U.S. airlines do not fly to Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, Iran's largest airport. International airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Lufthansa, have canceled some routes in the region, according to the air travel news site AviationA2Z. Other flight activity has been suspended in the days since Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" against Iran. Israel has been bombing nuclear and military targets in Iran since late last week, claiming intelligence shows that Iran is close to developing nuclear weapons. Iran has responded with a barrage of retaliatory missile strikes. Following Israel's launch of Operation Rising Lion, airspace was closed over Israel, Jordan, Iran and Iraq, and Israel's Ministry of Transportation said airspace would remain closed until further notice. President Trump has demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender." Mr Trump is weighing whether to strike Iran and formally join Israel's air campaign, a senior intelligence source and a Defense Department official told CBS News on Wednesday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that the president will make a decision on whether to order a strike within the next two weeks. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem told U.S. citizens in Israel on Thursday that the State Department was making plans to "assist with private U.S. citizens' departure from Israel." Some have been evacuated aboard cruise ships. The State Department recently placed a Level 4 travel advisory on Israel, telling Americans not to travel there due to "armed conflict, terrorism and civil unrest." Iran has been under a "Do Not Travel" advisory — the highest level — "due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens and wrongful detention," the State Department said. SpaceX Starship upper stage blows up Hurricane Erick approaches Mexico with destructive winds, major storm surge Biden to speak at Juneteenth event in Texas
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
United Airlines (UAL) Unfazed by Fuel Shock as Natural Hedges Point to Bullish Skies
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, a recent 7% surge in West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude has renewed focus on airline fuel hedging strategies. United Airlines (UAL), which has maintained a minimal hedging approach in recent years, is especially exposed. With fuel costs directly affecting profit margins, UAL's stock remains highly sensitive to swings in oil prices. Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Fortunately for United, encouraging trends in industry profitability and strong demand dynamics are a hedge in themselves, making me bullish on UAL in the second half of this year despite surging fuel prices. For those unfamiliar, airline fuel hedging is a risk management strategy using financial instruments—such as futures or swaps—to lock in fuel prices for future delivery. Essentially, it acts as an insurance policy, providing cost stability amid volatile energy markets. Each airline adopts its own approach, adjusting based on broader economic and geopolitical conditions. For example, Southwest Airlines (LUV) recently ended its once-active hedging program, reflecting a broader shift in the industry. United Airlines, meanwhile, has historically taken a minimal or opportunistic approach to hedging. This strategy is being tested as recent geopolitical tensions—particularly the missile exchanges between Iran and Israel—have pushed crude oil prices up by roughly 20% in the past month. While oil remains about 8% cheaper year-over-year and has stabilized from its pandemic-era highs, any sharp spike in prices immediately impacts United's bottom line. Fuel typically accounts for around 25% of an airline's total operating costs, meaning price increases can significantly compress margins for carriers without substantial hedging in place. It may come as a surprise to those who only interact with airlines as passengers, but the industry operates on razor-thin profit margins. In 2025, the average net profit margin across the sector was estimated at 3.7%, up slightly from 3.4% in 2024. United Airlines performed somewhat better than the industry average, posting a 5.5% profit margin in 2024—a relatively strong showing in such a margin-sensitive business. Improving profit margins have given airlines like United the confidence to lean more heavily on 'natural hedges' against fuel price volatility—strategies that focus on efficiency and sustainability rather than financial instruments. These include operational improvements such as operating newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft, eliminating physical magazines to reduce onboard weight, and utilizing single-engine taxiing to reduce fuel consumption on the ground. United has been especially proactive in this area, aggressively modernizing its fleet and taking a leadership role in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiative to lower emissions and enhance long-term fuel efficiency. These efforts are beginning to pay off. In its Q1 2025 earnings report, United posted record revenue of $13.2 billion, a 5.4% year-over-year increase, and generated over $2 billion in free cash flow, a testament to the strength of its operational strategy. Reflecting stronger net profit margins across the airline industry in 2025, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is also forecasting record-high industry revenues. This outlook is supported by projected declines in fuel prices and continued improvements in operational efficiency. In April, global revenue passenger kilometers (RPK)—a key measure of air travel demand—rose 8% year-over-year, signaling robust consumer interest. While fuel prices have spiked recently, IATA expects conditions to stabilize, projecting an average of $86 per barrel in 2025, down from $99 per barrel last year. With rising demand, falling fuel costs, and ongoing efficiency gains, United Airlines (UAL) may be well-positioned for a strong performance in the second half of the year. On Wall Street, UAL earns a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 14 Buy, one Hold, and zero Sell ratings in the past three months. Its average price target of $100.14 implies 33% upside potential over the next twelve months. Thomas Wadewitz from UBS is particularly bullish on UAL, having upgraded the stock to Buy and raised its price target from $67 to $105. The analyst cited tariff relief following the 90-day agreement with China. Moreover, 'a more stable economic backdrop and the recent rebound in the U.S. equity market give it increased confidence in the resilience of international and premium revenue, which had been its primary cyclical concern for both Delta and United.' While United remains exposed to short-term oil price spikes due to its limited fuel hedging, it has several mitigating strategies in place. If fuel prices ease as expected, United stands to benefit meaningfully. With air travel demand on the rise and strong operational performance—reflected in above-average profit margins and record revenue—United appears well-positioned for further improvement. That said, investors should closely watch oil price trends, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Short-term volatility is likely, and those with lower risk tolerance may prefer airlines with more extensive hedging programs. Still, over the long run, strong fundamentals tend to win out. That's why, despite potential turbulence ahead, I remain bullish on UAL. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue
Canada News.Net
9 hours ago
- Business
- Canada News.Net
Nasdaq Composite rises 25 points in lackluster day for U.S. markets
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stocks made only minor moves in both directions,Thursday, as investors fretted about the Israel-Iran conflict and speculation the U,S. may once more be going to war in the Middle East. The U.S. dollar gained ground as European shares fell sharply after a sell-off in travel-related stocks. Skies over Europe were less crowded Thursday as flights were cancelled. United Airlines announced it would stop flying to Dubai. Meantime the Bank of England left interest rates unchanged at 4.25 percent on Thursday. "Underlying UK GDP growth appears to have remained weak, and the labour market has continued to loosen, leading to clearer signs that a margin of slack has opened up over time," the central bank said in a statement Thurrsday. "Measures of pay growth have continued to moderate and, as in May, the Committee expects a significant slowing over the rest of the year," the bank said. In the U.S., President Donald Trump slammed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for not cutting rates a day earlier, a decision made by the Fed's FOMC committee. Nonetheless the president , who believes rates should be 2.5 percent lower, referred to Mr Powell, as "not a smart person," and "a real dummy," in a midnight post on Truth Social. U.S. Markets Show Resilience Thursday The Standard and Poor's 500 (^GSPC) edged slightly lower, closing at 5,980.87, down 1.85 points or 0.03 percent, as trading volume reached 2.942 billion shares. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) dipped 44.14 points, or 0.10 percent, settling at 42,171.66, with 487.536 million shares traded. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ Composite (^IXIC) bucked the trend, rising 25.18 points, or 0.13 percent, to 19,546.27, on a heavy volume of 7.151 billion shares. U.S. Dollar Split, Major Currencies as Euro and Pound Gain Ground Thursday's foreign exchange market saw the U.S. dollar firming against several major currencies, while the euro and British pound posted modest gains. Euro and Pound Edge Higher The euro (EUR/USD) rose 0.12 percent against the US dollar, trading at 1.1492, as investors weighed recent economic data from the Eurozone. Meanwhile, the British pound (GBP/USD) climbed 0.35 percent to 1.3464, supported by expectations of a more hawkish Bank of England stance, after the central bank left interest rates unchanged at 4.25 percent at its monthly meeting on Thursday. The U.S. dollar (USD/JPY) strengthened 0.26 percent against the Japanese yen, reaching 145.47, as traders anticipated further divergence between Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan policies. The greenback also advanced 0.08 percent against the Canadian dollar (USD/CAD), settling at 1.37042, amid stregthening oil prices. The U.S. dollar (USD/CHF) dipped 0.12 percent against the Swiss franc, trading at 0.8164, as the safe-haven currency found some support. However, the Australian dollar (AUD/USD) fell sharply by 0.51 percent to 0.6474, pressured by weaker commodity demand. The New Zealand dollar (NZD/USD) also declined 0.66 percent to 0.5987, reflecting broader risk-off sentiment. Global Markets Close Mixed on Thursday as European and Asian Indices Lag Thursday's trading session saw a mixed performance across global stock markets, with UK, European and Asian markets closing with significant losses. Canadian Markets Canada's S&P/TSX Composite (^GSPTSE) dipped 53.85 points, or 0.20 percent, to 26,506.00, with 86.945 million shares traded. UK and European Markets Slide Indices struggled, with the FTSE 100 (^FTSE) dropping 51.67 points, or 0.58 percent, to 8,791.80. Germany's DAX (^GDAXI) tumbled 260.43 points, or 1.12 percent, to 23,057.38, while in France Thursday, the CAC 40 (^FCHI) fell 102.67 points, or 1.34 percent, to 7,553.45. The broader EURO STOXX 50 (^STOXX50E) declined 69.88 points, or 1.33 percent, closing at 5,197.03. Belgium's BEL 20 (^BFX) saw a modest drop of 14.28 points, or 0.32 percent, ending at 4,411.71. Asian and Pacific Markets Under Pressure Asian markets faced broad declines, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index (^HSI) plunging 472.95 points, or 1.99 percent, to 23,237.74. In China, the Shanghai Composite ( dropped 26.70 points, or 0.79 percent, to 3,362.11, with 2.878 billion shares traded. Japan's Nikkei 225 (^N225) declined 396.81 points, or 1.02 percent, to 38,488.34. In Singapore the STI Index (^STI) slipped 26.63 points, or 0.68 percent, to 3,894.18, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 (^AXJO) dipped 7.50 points, or 0.09 percent, to 8,523.70. The broader Australian All Ordinaries (^AORD) fell 16.50 points, or 0.19 percent, to 8,741.40. India's S&P BSE SENSEX (^BSESN) retreated 82.79 points, or 0.10 percent, to 81,361.87, while in Indonesia, the IDX Composite (^JKSE) dropped sharply by 139.15 points, or 1.96 percent, to 6,968.64. Malaysia's KLSE (^KLSE) lost 10.51 points, or 0.70 percent, closing at 1,501.44. New Zealand's S&P/NZX 50 (^NZ50) declined 58.27 points, or 0.46 percent, to 12,569.05, while South Korea's KOSPI (^KS11) managed a slight gain of 5.55 points, or 0.19 percent, ending at 2,977.74. Taiwan's TWSE (^TWII) fell sharply by 353.23 points, or 1.58 percent, to 22,003.50. Middle East and Africa Egypt's EGX 30 (^CASE30) suffered a steep decline, losing 590.60 points, or 1.92 percent, to 30,248.40, with 169.507 million shares changing hands. Israel's TA-125 (^ a standout, rising 28.40 points, or 1.00 percent, to 2,868.81. South Africa's JSE Top 40 (^ fell 52.25 points, or 1.00 percent, to 5,178.99.
The Independent
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
United, American, Delta suspending flights to Middle East amid Israel-Iran conflict
Major U.S. airlines have suspended some flights to the Middle East amid the Israel-Iran conflict. Nearly a week ago, Israel bombarded Iran's nuclear facilities and hit military targets in the region, killing several of Tehran's top military leaders and leading nuclear scientists in the process. Iran has launched heavy retaliatory strikes against Israel. The Independent previously reported Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have suspended flights to Tel Aviv amid the strikes and now U.S. carriers are grounding flights to other Middle Eastern countries as the conflict intensifies. United Airlines suspended flights between Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Dubai Thursday, citing, 'conflict in the region,' CBS News reported. The carrier said it would lift the suspension 'when it's safe,' per Bloomberg. American Airlines also suspended its flights from Philadelphia International Airport to Doha, Qatar, Thursday until June 22, according to CBS News and Bloomberg. 'We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation further as needed,' American Airlines said, per Bloomberg. Dubai and Doha are the two of the most important travel hubs in the Middle East, connecting the region to the U.S., Europe and the Asia Pacific region. As the Israel-Iran conflict continues, with Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz vowing that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei 'cannot continue to exist,' President Donald Trump said he will make a decision on whether to strike Iranian nuclear facilities within the next two weeks. Israel is the U.S.'s biggest ally in the region, but Trump says he has been working on a diplomatic solution to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,' Trump in a statement read by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Thursday.
