Bangladesh, Sept. 26 -- Airlines in the United States, Canada and Europe are preparing for a difficult winter as rising jet fuel prices and continued geopolitical uncertainty push carriers to reconsider flight schedules and capacity plans.

Several major airlines have signaled that they could reduce seats or suspend less-profitable routes if fuel prices remain elevated, reversing expectations earlier this year that operating costs would ease after the sharp increase triggered by the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The situation has become more difficult in recent weeks as the fragile ceasefire has deteriorated and fuel prices have moved higher. Airlines are now planning for the possibility that elevated costs coul...