Delta lost estimated $200 million from record-long US government shutdown, CEO says

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Delta lost estimated 0 million from record-long US government shutdown, CEO says — Delta lost estimated 200 million from record long US government shutdown.jpg

The Impact of the Government Shutdown on Delta Air Lines

In a recent investor call, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian revealed that the longest government shutdown in history cost the airline an estimated $200 million. This is the first disclosure by a U.S. airline regarding the financial impact of the shutdown.

During the 43-day shutdown, Delta saw a significant increase in refunds and a slowdown in bookings due to the uncertainty in air travel. This led to a loss of about 25 cents per share for the airline.

The shutdown, which began on October 1, resulted in long delays at major airports and historic flight cancellations at 40 of the busiest airports in the country. The unpaid air traffic controllers missing work created additional stress and forced some to take on side jobs.

An American Airlines flight lands as a Delta Air Lines plane taxis at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in the Queens borough of New York, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. AP

Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, mentioned that the uncertainty in air travel caused many customers to hold off on booking their holiday travel, resulting in more than 10,000 flight cuts during the shutdown.

Despite the challenges faced during the shutdown, Bastian expressed optimism for the future, stating that Delta had a busy Thanksgiving week and strong bookings for the upcoming holiday season.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian waits to be interviewed on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange after ringing the opening bell, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. AP

The shutdown had a significant impact on airports in major hubs like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, with flight restrictions ranging from 4% to 6%. The FAA eventually rolled back the restrictions to 3% as air traffic controller staffing improved after the shutdown ended.

Controllers, along with other federal employees, had to work without pay throughout the shutdown, missing two full paychecks. President Donald Trump’s social media pressure on controllers to return to work caused further controversy.

A Delta Air Lines flight departs from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 05 November 2025. ERIK S LESSER/EPA/Shutterstock

Senator Tammy Duckworth called for bonuses to be awarded to all FAA workers who worked without pay during the shutdown. However, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the decision to only award bonuses to a select few with perfect attendance.

As the aviation industry recovers from the impact of the shutdown, airlines like Delta are hopeful for a strong finish to the year and a return to normalcy in air travel.