Delta Air Lines Reports First Quarter 2026 Net Loss of $289 Million or $0.44 per Diluted Share

Delta Air Lines has reported a first quarter 2026 net loss of 289 million or ($0.44) per diluted share on a year-over-year increase in revenue of 13 percent to $15.9 billion.  The company ended the quarter with $8.1 billion in total liquidity.

Delta Air Lines Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results - Courtesy Delta Air Lines

On Wednesday (April 8, 2026), Delta Air Lines reported their first quarter financial results for the period ending March 31, 2026.  The carrier reported a first quarter 2026 net loss of 289 million or ($0.44) per diluted share on a year-over year increase in revenue of 13 percent to $15.9 billion.  The company ended the quarter with $8.1 billion in total liquidity, including cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and $3.1 billion in undrawn revolving credit capacity.  Delta’s first quarter total revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) increased 12 percent compared to the same period last year to 22.92 cents, while cost per available seat mile (CASM) increased 13 percent to 22.20 cents.  Costs excluding fuel (CASM-ex) increased 6.0 percent versus the same period last year to 15.13 cents

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In Wednesday’s announcement, Delta Air Lines’ CEO, Ed Bastian, said,

“Delta’s results underscore the power of our brand and the durability of our financial foundation.  We delivered earnings that were more than 40% higher than last year, even with a significant increase in fuel costs and operational disruptions across the industry.  Our results are powered by the Delta people, who will always be our greatest competitive advantage.  In February, we celebrated $1.3 billion in profit‑sharing payouts, similar to last year and more than the rest of the industry combined.

“Demand remains strong, and we are taking actions to protect our margins and cash flow.  This includes meaningfully reducing capacity growth, with a downward bias until the fuel environment improves, and moving quickly to recapture higher fuel costs.  Delta is best positioned to navigate this environment, with a leading brand, strong financial foundation, and the benefit of our refinery.  In the June quarter, we expect to lead the industry with $1 billion of profit.  And while the recent fuel spike is currently impacting earnings, I’m confident this environment ultimately reinforces Delta’s leadership and accelerates long-term earnings power.”

Delta Air Lines First Quarter 2026 Financial Results - Courtesy Delta Air Lines

Delta continues to advance their fleet modernization program with 95 new aircraft orders, including Airbus single-aisle and widebody aircraft, as well as the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, supporting aircraft replacement, efficient growth, and margin expansion.  During the first quarter, the carrier took delivery of eight new aircraft, including Airbus A321neos and A220-300s.  Delta TechOps also became the first and only North American airline MRO with full overhaul capability across both the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines during the period.

During the first quarter, Delta announced new daily service between Austin (AUS) and Phoenix (PHX), and expanded service from Austin to Bozeman (BZN) beginning next winter, bringing total destinations serviced from Austin to 30 by December 2026.  The carrier also announced expanded service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Florida starting next winter, including Palm Beach (PBI), Tampa (TPA), and Orlando (MCO), all operated on the state-of-the-art A321neo.  Additionally, Delta announced new nonstop service between New York-JFK and John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) in California starting May 7, 2026, which will be operated by aircraft equipped with Delta One.

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is the global U.S. airline leader in safety, innovation, reliability and customer experience.  The carrier operates over 4,000 daily flights across more than 290 destinations on six continents.  The airline operates significant hubs and key markets in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Bogota, Boston, Detroit, Lima, London-Heathrow, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK and LaGuardia, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City, Santiago (Chile), São Paulo, Seattle, Seoul-Incheon and Tokyo.  For the last decade, Delta has led the industry in operational excellence, while maintaining their reputation for award-winning customer service.

Source: Delta Air Lines