Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said the carrier will "meaningfully reduce" its capacity growth plans in the near term as fuel costs soar, solidifying a pullback from airlines that have been roiled by a historic run-up in jet fuel due to the Middle East war.

Ed Bastian said that, unlike last year when people were "frozen" by tariff uncertainty, premium passengers are less affected by geopolitical conflict.

Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines will charge many passengers more to check bags, following similar hikes from United and JetBlue.

ATLANTA — Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines told investors on Wednesday that the company expects fuel costs to be $2 billion higher by June. The news comes as conflicts in the Middle East continue to impact oil and gasoline prices across the globe and in the United States.

The aircraft landed safely at the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport on Tuesday night, the FAA confirmed to PEOPLE

Rising fuel prices are putting new pressure on travelers and airlines alike, even as Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter results.

Delta and Southwest are joining United and JetBlue in raising checked bag fees.

Delta Air Lines Inc. expects to incur more than $2 billion in higher fuel costs through June because of the Iran war, prompting the carrier to tread carefully and stick to its previous full-year profit forecast.

Delta Air Lines is offering expanded flight options for travelers heading from Detroit to Rome and Amsterdam in 2026.