Latam Airlines Warns High Fuel Costs Could Slow Capacity Growth

07:50 PM EDT, 10/19/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Latam Airlines Group expects elevated fuel costs to restrain capacity growth even if tensions in the Middle East ease, as refining constraints continue to pressure energy markets, Bloomberg reported Monday, citing Chief Executive Officer Roberto Alvo. Alvo said demand has remained resilient despite higher fares, with travelers prioritizing travel over other purchases. The airline's focus on higher-value passengers has also helped offset weaker occupancy among more price-sensitive travelers, Bloomberg reported. Latam's load factor fell to 83.7% in the third quarter, down 1.7 percentage points from a year earlier.