Delta Says Government Shutdown Cost $200 Million but Expects Strong Travel Demand Into 2026

Delta Air Lines said the recent US government shutdown, the longest in the country’s history, cost the carrier roughly $200 million in pretax profit, as bookings weakened and flight disruptions increased across the aviation system. The financial hit amounts to about 25 cents per share for the current quarter, Delta said in a securities filing on Wednesday.

The airline had previously forecast adjusted fourth-quarter earnings of $1.60 to $1.90 per share, but the shutdown’s impact has added new pressure to the final months of the year. Despite the disruption, Delta said travel demand remains healthy, and bookings are strong heading into 2026.

During the shutdown, staffing shortages among air traffic controllers grew severe, prompting the Trump administration to order airlines to cut 10% of flights at 40 busy airports, including Washington National. Even with reduced schedules, delays and cancellations increased in the days before the shutdown ended. Air traffic controllers, who were already facing shortages before the crisis, were required to work without pay throughout the impasse.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian and other airline leaders have urged lawmakers to protect critical aviation workers, including controllers and TSA officers, from losing pay during any future shutdowns, warning that disruptions ripple quickly across the air travel system.

Despite the short-term financial hit, Delta said consumer appetite for travel remains strong, with forward bookings showing continued momentum into next year.