Why American Airlines Was Hit Hard By The Stock Sell-Off

On January 22nd, American Airlines shares closed at $18.66, representing a new calendar-year high. The airline, which has been plagued with struggles that have kept it behind its two biggest competitors (United Airlines and Delta Air Lines) since the pandemic, looked like it was beginning to get back on track. The airline’s stock price had been continually rising throughout the fall of 2024, and the airline was forecasting strong growth for 2025.