Delta says the shutdown cost it $200 million, but it expects strong demand

Delta Airlines It said the government shutdown that ended last month cost it nearly $200 million in pre-tax profits as bookings declined during the longest such impasse in U.S. history.

The airline said the earnings impact will be about 25 cents per share during the current quarter. In October, Delta expected fourth-quarter earnings to be revised from $1.60 to $1.90 per share.

However, travel demand remains good, and bookings are strong through 2026, Delta confirmed in a securities filing on Wednesday ahead of an industry conference.

The shortage of air traffic controllers worsened during the shutdown, and the Trump administration forced airlines to reduce their schedules to relieve pressure on controllers. But even with this move, delays and cancellations ended up being higher than expected in the days before the lockdown ended.

Air traffic controllers, who were already working before the closure, were required to work without their regular salaries during that period.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian and other airline executives have repeatedly lobbied lawmakers and officials in Washington to ensure air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration officers and other workers associated with air travel are paid in the event of another shutdown.