US Airline Stocks Surge 10% Amid Fuel Cost Concerns

Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE: ALK) surged 10.57% on the New York Stock Exchange on the 17th, closing at $45.50. Trading volume topped 5.04 million shares, and its market capitalization climbed to roughly $5.2 billion—about KRW 7 trillion—adding approximately $600 million (around KRW 800 billion) in a single day.

The company reiterated that, due to surging international oil prices, it now expects a larger first-quarter loss, highlighting the burden of higher fuel costs. Even so, Alaska Air Group continues to underscore its medium- to long-term growth story by integrating Hawaiian Airlines’ cargo operations, expanding long-haul international routes, and unveiling a new business-class suite.

As the holding company for Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Air Group is strong on U.S. West Coast, Hawaii and Pacific routes. With its recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and the addition of Asia and Europe services, the group is reshaping itself into a mid-sized challenger to major carriers such as Delta and United.