Occidental Petroleum returns to Houston from Permian Basin amid volatile oil market

Occidental Petroleum flew from Midland International Air and Space Port to Houston Bush Intercontinental on June 22, 2026, aboard its Embraer ERJ-175 (tail N170XY). The 1-hour 17-minute shuttle connected the company’s Permian Basin operational hub to its Houston headquarters.

The same week the flight touches down, Occidental Petroleum is navigating one of its most volatile trading periods in recent memory. WTI crude surged past $94 after a U.S. Navy seizure of an Iranian vessel in the Gulf of Oman, then retreated on diplomatic signals. As covered by [Investing.com](https://ph.investing.com/analysis/occidental-petroleum-upside-depends-on-sustained-oil-prices-above-85-215311), the company's upstream-heavy exposure makes it exceptionally sensitive to these swings. Meanwhile, Berkshire Hathaway's ~28% stake remains a steady anchor — [Seeking Alpha](https://seekingalpha.com/article/4916582-occidental-petroleum-im-turning-more-bearish-rating-downgrade) notes Occidental Petroleum's debt reduction and cost-savings plans are now amplified by higher cash flows.

The Midland-to-Houston shuttle is a well-worn route for Occidental Petroleum. Recent flight logs show multiple rotations between KMAF and KIAH since June 18, consistent with routine executive travel between the Permian Basin and corporate HQ. This trip, however, lands as management likely huddles on strategy for a market that, per [The Motley Fool](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/04/23/this-warren-buffett-stock-is-now-a-no-brainer-buy/), may generate nearly $10 billion in free cash flow this year if oil stays elevated.