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United CEO urges quick DHS funding deal and warns of summer flight cuts

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told CBS News lawmakers should promptly resolve the DHS funding impasse and said higher oil prices tied to the Iran war are driving a roughly 5% cut to the airline's summer schedule.

Mar 25th 2026 · United States

Insights

  • Scott Kirby told CBS News he hopes the Department of Homeland Security funding stalemate is resolved soon and called the delay unconscionable.
  • Kirby said higher oil prices linked to the Iran war are forcing United Airlines to cut flights by about 5% this summer.
  • United plans roughly a 5% reduction in summer capacity in response to rising fuel costs.