Delta Warns Of $200 Million Q4 Profit Hit From 6-Week Government Shutdown

• Delta said the impact is equal to about $0.25 per share.
• Delta had more than 2,000 cancellations during the shutdown.
• However, early 2026 trends are showing strong momentum, the airline said.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL), on Wednesday, said it expects a $200 million hit to pre-tax profit for the fourth quarter due to disruptions caused by the U.S. government shutdown, which lasted from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12. The impact is equal to about $0.25 per share.

However, the airline added that demand is holding steady for the December quarter, with early 2026 trends also showing strong momentum. Delta noted that travel bookings have bounced back to earlier expectations after a brief slowdown in November.

In October, Delta guided its Q4 earnings per share between $1.60 and $1.90.

DAL stock was up 0.8% in premarket trading on Wednesday.

Shutdown Woes

All major airlines, including Delta, American Airlines Group, Inc., United Airlines Holdings, Inc. and Southwest Airlines grappled with flight cancellations across the country during the six week period. The aviation industry was among the many affected by the government shutdown.

The Trump administration ordered temporary flight reductions at 40 major airports during the longest U.S. government shutdown, citing shortages of air traffic controllers and security staff. The move pushed airlines to cut schedules and rebook travelers, leading to widespread disruptions across the system.

Delta had more than 2,000 cancellations, CEO Ed Bastian said last month.

How Did Stocktwits Users React?

Retail sentiment remained in the 'bearish' zone over the past 24 hours.

Year-to-date, the stock gained nearly 12%.

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