London, February 16, 2026, 09:46 GMT — Regular session
- IAG picked up roughly 1.2% in London trading; shares in Madrid were also on the rise.
- Oil stayed mostly unchanged with U.S.–Iran talks looming, so airlines kept a close eye on fuel prices.
- IAG is set to release its full-year 2025 results on Feb. 27.
Shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group (ICAG.L) gained 1.2% to 439.05 pence on Monday, based on data posted at least 15 minutes late on the company’s investor site. Volume reached 1.16 million shares. (Iairgroup)
Investors are shifting ahead of IAG’s full-year 2025 earnings, due Feb. 27—results that should give a clearer read on where 2026 capacity and cash returns are headed. The group owns British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, and Aer Lingus. (Iairgroup)
Fuel prices barely budged, with Brent crude futures slipping just 3 cents to $67.72 a barrel as of 0727 GMT. Traders are eyeing the upcoming second round of U.S.–Iran discussions in Geneva set for Tuesday, and there’s word from Reuters that OPEC+ (that’s OPEC members plus Russia and other allies) is edging toward restoring output increases from April. “The calm before the storm,” is how IG market analyst Tony Sycamore put it. (Reuters)
European equities nudged higher in early moves, the STOXX 600 gaining 0.2%, pushed along by strength in banks and insurers. Market participants eyed upcoming euro zone industrial production figures, set for release later this Monday. (Reuters)
Shares of IAG have moved in a narrow band, changing hands between 436.30 pence and 440.60 pence during the session, Hargreaves Lansdown data shows. Still, that’s short of the 52-week peak at 449.00 pence. Last session, the stock closed at 434.00 pence. (Hl)
Fuel is a major expense for airlines, so that oil connection carries weight. When crude prices jump, margins can get pinched fast—airlines don’t always raise ticket prices right away to keep up.
Investors are eager for IAG’s take on demand in its main long-haul segments as carriers approach the crucial summer selling period. A shift in unit revenues—the amount each seat kilometre brings in—has the potential to sway the shares more than routine oil price swings.
Costs are shifting, too. The sector faces pressure from labour agreements, airport fees, and the constant threat of disruptions. Airlines can cut fuel consumption with new planes, but that just pushes up capital outlays and ramps up the need for financing.
But there’s risk on both sides. If U.S.–Iran talks break down and tensions escalate, oil prices could spike—bad news for airline earnings forecasts. Toss in a softer consumer environment, and late-booking demand comes under added strain.
