Airline Stocks Tumble as United Predicts Gloomy Fourth Quarter Amid Rising Costs

United Airlines stock plunged over rising fuel prices and suspended Israel flights dampening fourth quarter profit forecasts.
Other major US airlines like Delta, American and Southwest also experienced stock declines on disappointing outlook.
Although United beat Q3 profit estimates, it predicts Q4 earnings per share to fall below analyst expectations.
Analysts worry softer travel demand, increasing labor costs and economic weakness may pressure airline profits.
American Airlines posted a $545 million Q3 loss attributed to pilot contract charges even as rivals earned over $1 billion.