NEW YORK, Jan 18, 2026, 07:03 EST — Market closed
Shares of American Airlines Group Inc dropped $0.35, roughly 2.2%, closing at $15.37 on Friday. The U.S. stock markets will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. (New York Stock Exchange)
The drop followed news that the airline has opened a new chapter in its ongoing battle for premium travelers: Chicago’s O’Hare airport.
Reuters reported Friday that United and American are locked in a fierce battle at O’Hare, where control of gates and corporate contracts—key to business traveler traffic—can shift pricing power. American is rolling out its largest spring schedule ever at the airport, with around 100 new peak-day flights covering more than 75 destinations, the report said. “This (rivalry) is like nothing else in U.S. aviation,” Joseph Schwieterman, a DePaul University professor, told Reuters. (Reuters)
The timing is key as earnings approach. American plans to webcast its Q4 and full-year 2025 results call on Jan. 27 at 7:30 a.m. CT. United, meanwhile, will report results after market close on Jan. 20, with a conference call set for the following morning. (American Airlines Newsroom)
Wall Street closed out the week stuck in a narrow band. The S&P 500 dipped 0.1% on Friday, offering little boost to cyclical sectors such as airlines. (AP News)
Fuel remains the fastest-moving input. Brent crude stood at $63.55 a barrel, with U.S. WTI at $59.04 during Asian trading on Friday, Reuters reported, following a reduced likelihood of a U.S. strike on Iran. BMI analysts say prices are likely to hold within a $57-$67 range without a new shock. Meanwhile, U.S. jet fuel was priced at $2.15 a gallon on Friday, according to data from Airlines for America. (Reuters)
Rates remain a key driver. Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson told Reuters the current policy stance is “well positioned” going into the Jan. 27-28 meeting, with the rate held steady between 3.50% and 3.75%. For airlines, cheaper borrowing is a small plus, but the bigger question lies in the Fed’s view on demand. (Reuters)
But hub battles cut both ways. More seats might boost revenue—or drive prices down if competitors match flights one-for-one. Plus, juggling gates and staff gets trickier under pressure.
Operational risk is also creeping up. The FAA put out warnings to airlines operating over sections of Central and South America, citing possible military activity and GPS disruptions, Reuters reported. These alerts, effective for 60 days from Jan. 16, could trigger sudden reroutes and higher expenses. (Reuters)
Tuesday brings the reopening and the first batch of airline earnings. United is set to report after the close on Jan. 20, and its results will likely shape the mood ahead of American’s report a week later.
