IATA director-general Willie Walsh said rising jet fuel prices are likely to prompt further airline bankruptcies and industry consolidation. He said regulatory barriers make a merger between United Airlines and American Airlines unlikely. Walsh said Gulf carriers and hubs will reclaim market share once the Middle East conflict eases. Despite disappointing progress on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), IATA remains committed to net-zero emissions by 2050.

2026-06-07

IATA director-general Willie Walsh said rising jet fuel prices are likely to prompt further airline bankruptcies and industry consolidation. He said regulatory barriers make a merger between United Airlines and American Airlines unlikely. Walsh said Gulf carriers and hubs will reclaim market share once the Middle East conflict eases. Despite disappointing progress on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), IATA remains committed to net-zero emissions by 2050.