Revenue growth driven by yield and passenger volume
Passenger revenue increased $2.3 billion, or 16.4%, in Q2 FY2026 versus the year-ago period, primarily due to a 12.1% increase in yield and a 5.4% increase in passengers flown; total operating revenue reached $17,672M, up 16.0% YoY.
Fuel costs surged amid Middle East conflict
Aircraft fuel expense increased $2.3 billion, or 84.1%, in Q2 FY2026, primarily due to a higher average price per gallon ($4.19 vs $2.34, +79.4%) and increased consumption from higher flight activity; the MD&A attributes elevated fuel prices to geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East disrupting regional flying.
Operating margin compression despite revenue growth
Total operating expense rose 19.2% to $16,576M, outpacing 16.0% revenue growth, driving operating income down 17.3% to $1,096M and operating margin to 6.2% from 8.7% a year ago; CASM rose 15.2% to 18.99 cents.