Delta says shutdown cost it $200 million, but forecasts strong demand
A Delta Airlines Boeing 757-200 aircraft passes in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
Bill Clark | Cq-roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images
Delta Airlines It said the government shutdown that ended last month cost about $200 million in pretax profits as bookings softened during the longest such stalemate in U.S. history.
The airline said the earnings impact this quarter will be about 25 cents per share. In October, Delta posted adjusted fourth-quarter earnings of $1.60 to $1.90 per share.
But Delta reiterated that travel demand remains healthy and bookings are strong as we head into 2026 securities filing ahead of an industry conference on Wednesday.
The air traffic controller shortage has worsened during the shutdown, and the Trump administration has forced airlines to shorten their schedules to relieve pressure on controllers. But despite this move, delays and cancellations were higher than expected in the days before the closure ended.
Air traffic controllers, who were already weak before the closure, were required to work without regular salaries during this period.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian and other airline executives have repeatedly pressured lawmakers and officials in Washington to ensure air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration officials and other employees associated with air travel are paid in the event of another shutdown.
