Delta Air Lines reported on Wednesday that the recent government shutdown cost the company approximately $200 million in lost pretax profits, marking a significant financial hit during the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The airline noted in an SEC filing that the disruption led to a drop in ticket bookings, impacting earnings by roughly 25 cents per share for the quarter.
Despite the setback, Delta confirmed that bookings for 2026 remain strong. The shutdown also intensified the ongoing air traffic controller shortage, forcing airlines to reduce flight schedules at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. Air traffic controllers were required to work without consistent pay during the government impasse, further straining operations.