Rising energy costs and skyrocketing inflation have taken a toll on growth and profitability metrics of the transportation industry, but strong air travel demand is likely to drive UAL stock as macroeconomic tensions ease. While the geopolitical uncertainty due to the Russia-Ukraine war is jeopardizing global economic growth and triggering measures such as new energy security alliances, passenger numbers at TSA checkpoints is a positive indicator for the airline industry. While the demand factors improved during fall and winter, inflationary pressures from the Russia-Ukraine war and supply chain hurdles created macroeconomic headwinds for the airline industry.