Economy / Markets
Delta cuts its 2026 profit outlook as fuel costs surge
Delta Air Lines lowered its annual profit forecast by nearly a quarter at the midpoint on October 9, saying fuel costs would add about $6 billion to its bill this year. The carrier now expects adjusted earnings of $5.10 to $5.60 a share, down from the $6.50 to $7.50 it guided in July, with a $5.35 midpoint below analysts' average estimate. Third-quarter fuel expense rose 62 per cent year on year to $4.1 billion, more than $500 million above its July expectation, even as travel demand and fares stayed strong.