Korean Air Lines reported a 34% decline in second-quarter operating profit, as surging fuel costs weighed heavily on earnings despite the carrier posting record revenue for the period.
The results highlight the persistent margin pressure facing global carriers as energy prices remain elevated.
The divergence between top-line growth and bottom-line performance underscores the sensitivity of airline profitability to input costs.
While passenger demand drove record sales, the benefit was largely absorbed by higher fuel expenditures, a trend that has become increasingly common across the aviation sector.
This development aligns with broader industry headwinds.
International Airlines Group, parent of British Airways, recently issued a profit warning citing rising fuel costs driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.