Jet A Fuel Climbs to $8.66 as Costs Keep Rising

Flight schools and charter operators face a fourth straight monthly fuel increase, with Jet A rising faster than 100LL.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Inflation

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a single stainless fuel tank and hanging nozzle on an airfield apron, evoking rising aviation fuel costs. — U.S. aviation fuel prices rose for a fourth straight month in October, with Jet A reaching a national average of $8.66 per gallon. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Are rising aviation fuel prices changing whether you plan to fly this season?

U.S. aviation fuel prices rose for the fourth consecutive month in October 2026, with Jet A Full Service reaching a national average of $8.66. Jet A climbed faster than 100LL, the piston-engine fuel used by many smaller aircraft.

Why it matters

Fuel is among the largest variable costs for flight schools, charter operators, air taxi services, and general aviation businesses, so sustained increases squeeze margins and force pricing decisions. The steady climb since a brief June dip signals that operators are facing persistent rather than one-time cost pressure.

The iFlightPlanner survey of 3,367 U.S. fuel providers puts the Jet A Full Service national average at $8.66 in October, versus $8.36 in September and a 35.1% rise since February. The Lower-48 Jet A average was $8.60, while 100LL Self Service averaged $6.82, about 13% below Full Service.

The players

iFlightPlanner

A flight planning and aviation services platform that collects fuel pricing directly from fixed-base operators and fuel providers across the United States.

The details

Jet A rose $0.30 month over month, while 100LL Full Service rose only $0.10, widening the gap between the two fuels. Self-service options remained materially cheaper than full-service pricing, with 100LL Self Service about 13% below Full Service. Mogas, UL94 Self Service and other fuel categories also increased, indicating the pressure extended across product lines rather than a single fuel grade.

June 2026: Aviation fuel prices declined briefly before resuming their climb.
May 2026: A six-month period of price increases for Jet A and 100LL began.
February 2026: Starting point for the 35.1% Jet A Full Service rise comparison.
October 2026: Fourth consecutive monthly fuel price increase reported.

Market Landscape

iFlightPlanner's survey shows Jet A rising faster than 100LL, widening the price gap between the two aviation fuels used across commercial and general aviation. The pattern of a brief June decline followed by four straight monthly increases places the October data within a sustained cost cycle for fuel-dependent aviation operators.

Flight schools, charter operators, and general aviation businesses should model fuel as a rising cost line and review pricing and fuel-surcharge terms with their suppliers. Operators with significant 100LL exposure should weigh the roughly 13% savings from self-service fueling against labor and safety considerations.

The takeaway

Operators should track monthly fuel survey releases to measure whether the four-month climb continues and build fuel scenarios into next quarter's budget. Reviewing self-service versus full-service fueling options can help offset part of the increase, though decisions on contract terms should be confirmed with qualified counsel or an accountant.