Delta Air Lines has warned that the recent US government shutdown will impact its fourth quarter pre-tax profitability by around $200 million, or 25 cents of earnings per share, the airline said in an SEC filing on Wednesday (December 3).
The shutdown had disrupted air travel in the US with air traffic controller (ATC) staff shortages and reduced flight schedules. Additionally, the drop in government travel and economic uncertainty led to less premium spend in the US.
“Demand remains healthy for the December quarter and trends are strong for early 2026,” Delta said in the filing.
“Growth in travel bookings has returned to initial expectations following a temporary softening in November related to the government shutdown.”
The filing was made ahead of the company's presentation at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference on the same day.