'Cataclysm': United CEO's Iran war memo spooks travelers as oil prices skyrocket

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is warning employees that jet fuel prices have more than doubled in three weeks due to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, and that the crisis could cost the airline $11 billion annually if prices hold.

In a letter to employees on Friday, Kirby said United is planning for oil to hit $175 per barrel and stay above $100 through the end of 2027. For context, he noted, United's best year netted less than $5 billion in profit.

"[I]t may be a challenge to continue...