United Airlines (Nasdaq:UAL) CEO Scott Kirby told Reuters that airfares are expected to continue to gradually increase in the first half of 2027 if demand remains stable. Kirby attributed the fare increases to airport fees rising by approximately 60% since the pandemic and soaring maintenance costs, noting that real airfares are still down 13% compared to 2019. Despite the fare increases, United Airlines' stock has only risen 2.69% year-to-date, while Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) has gained 20.64%.