Delta Air Lines announced that the recent government shutdown resulted in a significant financial impact, with an estimated loss of $200 million in pretax profit. Despite continued healthy travel demand and strong bookings for 2026, the airline expects the shutdown to affect its current quarter earnings by approximately 25 cents per share. The shutdown, which was the longest in U.S. history, caused disruptions in air traffic control operations and forced airlines to trim their schedules to alleviate pressure on controllers. This led to higher delays and cancellations than anticipated, putting additional strain on already stretched air traffic controllers who were required to work without pay during the shutdown.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian and other airline executives have been advocating for measures to ensure that essential air travel personnel, such as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers, are paid in the event of another shutdown. The airline industry is hoping for legislative actions to prevent similar financial setbacks and operational challenges in the future.