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Rising fuel costs put budget airlines under pressure

Season 2026 Episode 90 | 6m 01s

As the war with Iran sends jet fuel prices soaring, several U.S. budget airlines are asking the federal government for a $2.5 billion lifeline. The appeal comes as Spirit Airlines faces potential bankruptcy and is negotiating separately for a $500 million government bailout. Reuters aviation, transportation and technology correspondent David Shepardson joins Geoff Bennet to discuss.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
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