Delta cuts 2026 profit forecast as fuel-cost surge overwhelms demand gains

Delta Air Lines cut its annual profit forecast by nearly a quarter on Friday, as surging fuel costs, expected to add US$6 billion to its bill in 2026, overwhelmed resilient travel demand and higher ticket prices.

Sheila Kahyaoglu, senior equity research analyst at Jefferies, examines third-quarter results from Delta Air Lines, which cut its full-year earnings outlook on high jet fuel prices. She speaks on “Bloomberg Surveillance.” (Source: Bloomberg)

Shares of Delta Air Lines are down over 3% Friday morning after the company released its third-quarter earnings report.  The airline’s revenue rose 16% year-over-year (YOY) from $15.20 billion to $17.59 billion. However, it failed to reach Wall Street’s expected $17.67 billion, according to consensus estimates cited by CNBC.  Similarly, it fell short for earnings per share, reporting $1.72 adjusted rather than the predicted $1.75.  Delta also saw its net income fall significantly. The company reported $1.15 billion in net income, down 47% YOY from $2.17 billion.  Skyrocketing fuel costs Given the ongoing Iran War-aggravated fuel crisis, it’s not surprising that Delta’s fuel expense and average fuel price per gallon have skyrocketed. The U.S. air carrier saw its fuel expense rise 69% YOY to $4.35 billion, while average price per gallon rose 68% YOY to $3.80.  In the report, Delta CEO Ed Bastian claimed that Delta is strong enough to navigate this issue. “Our resilience reflects the structural durability we’ve built over many years, enabling us to effectively navigate one of the most elevated fuel environments in recent times,” Bastian said. “The foundation of that resilience is our people, whose commitment to delivering for our customers continues to set Delta apart.”  Travel demand “remains strong” Bastian added: “Demand remains strong, supported by consumers’ growing preference for experiences and travel, with air travel continuing to be one of the best values in the consumer economy.” Despite that confidence, Delta has updated its full 2026 expected results to a more conservative prediction. The company is now expecting $5.10 to $5.60 earnings per share, down from last quarter’s $6.50 to $7.50.  It now also predicts approximately $2.5 billion in cash flow for the year, dropping from a range of $3 billion to $4 billion.  Delta stock: best of the ‘Big Four’ Shares of Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) have seen more growth this year than those of any other major U.S. carrier, with the stock up 18.94% year-to-date as of Thursday’s close. By comparison, United Airlines Holdings (Nasdaq: UAL) is down 4.93% this year so far. American Airlines Group stock (Nasdaq: AAL) is down 17.31% over the same period while shares of Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE: LUV) are about flat.

Delta Air Lines Inc. cut its full-year earnings outlook on high jet fuel prices stemming from the war in the Middle East, even as strong travel demand helped to offset some of the added costs. Lisa Abramowicz and Annmarie Hordern have more on Bloomberg Television. (Source: Bloomberg)

The airline now expects full-year adjusted EPS of $5.10 to $5.60, down from a July forecast of $6.50 to $7.50

Delta Air Lines reported third-quarter earnings and missed Wall Street estimates for the first time in two years.

Delta still had a profitable third quarter, even as volatile fuel costs are now forcing it to lower its 2026 forecast. The carrier has already accrued $900 million in profit sharing for 2027.