Delta Attributes $200 Million Pretax Hit To Government Shutdown, Maintains Robust 2026 Demand Outlook

Delta Air Lines said the government shutdown that ended last month reduced pretax profit by about $200 million as bookings softened during the longest impasse in U.S. history.

The carrier estimated the impact at roughly 25 cents per share for the current quarter. In October, Delta projected adjusted fourth‑quarter earnings of $1.60 to $1.90 per share.

Despite the disruption, Delta reiterated that travel demand remains solid, with strong bookings heading into 2026, according to a securities filing on Wednesday ahead of an industry conference.

Air traffic controller shortages intensified during the shutdown, and the Trump administration directed airlines to pare schedules to ease pressure on controllers. Even with those cuts, delays and cancellations were higher than expected in the days leading up to the shutdown’s end.

Controllers, already understaffed prior to the impasse, were required to work without their usual pay during that period.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian and other airline leaders have repeatedly urged lawmakers and federal officials to ensure that air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration officers and other aviation‑linked personnel receive pay in the event of a future shutdown.