March 20 (Reuters) - United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said on Friday the airline will cancel about 5% of this year's planned flights in the short term, as jet fuel prices surge due to the Middle East conflict.

"If prices stayed at this level, it would mean an extra $11 billion in annual expense just for jet fuel," Kirby said in a message to employees posted on its website.

The airline's current plan is to restore the full schedule this fall, Kirby added.