Delta CEO Ed Bastian has warned that the Iran conflict could impact the airline industry's plans, with increased fares, lighter schedules, and consolidation predicted. The company's fuel costs rose by 8% year-over-year to $2.591 billion, but with the price of jet fuel more than doubling since the conflict started, Bastian predicts that fares will continue to rise. Delta plans to cut capacity in off-peak times and reduce capacity into higher-demand flying times to increase profitable flights. The airline also plans to maintain its growth plans, particularly on the fringes of its schedule. Bastian's comments about prices have caused controversy, but he insists premium customers are unaffected by the conflict's impact. He also anticipates higher fuel prices to lead to significant structural reform in the airline sector, particularly in the US market market.