Qantas Airways Limited (QAN.AU) shares soared 9.42% during intraday trading on Wednesday, significantly outperforming the broader market.
The sharp rise in the airline's stock price comes as oil prices retreated following a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, which is contingent on Iran fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This development caused West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures to fall nearly 15% and Brent crude to decline more than 13%, with both benchmarks dropping below the $100-per-barrel mark.
Lower oil prices directly benefit airlines by reducing their single largest operational cost—jet fuel. The sector had been under significant pressure in recent months due to surging fuel costs and concerns over travel demand stemming from the conflict, making the relief from cheaper fuel a primary driver for the stock's positive movement.