Southwest lifts profits in second quarter despite jump in fuel costs

Southwest Airlines reported a significant increase in its operating profit for the second quarter of 2026, reaching $285 million during April through June. This represents an improvement of $60 million compared to the previous period, driven by increased operational efficiency. Despite facing nearly $900 million higher fuel expenses over the same timeframe, Southwest successfully navigated these challenges. The low-cost carrier’s operating profit rose from $225 million in the prior three months. These results demonstrate Southwest's ability to manage costs effectively while maintaining profitability.