Delta Air Lines said Tuesday that the company was maintaining its profit guidance for the first quarter and raising revenue expectations, despite airlines dealing with higher jet fuel prices since the war in Iran started.
CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC’s Phil LeBeau that Delta had taken a $400 million hit so far for the fourth quarter, but that demand has been “really, really great,” which was leading to higher revenue growth than the airline had originally guided for.
“The higher revenue is offsetting the cost of not just the fuel, but we’ve also had a pretty tough winter season in terms of storms,” he said. “So you put that all together, we’re expecting to come in within the original guidance of 50 to 90 cents EPS.”
Delta had previously forecast an increase in sales of as much as 7% in the first three months of 2026 and adjusted earnings of between 50 cents per share and 90 cents per share for the first quarter.
Delta stock was up 5% in premarket trading.
Jet fuel is airlines’ second-biggest cost and accounts for a fifth or more of expenses, depending on the carrier. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told CNBC in early March that higher airfares were likely on the way as airlines cover the rising fuel costs.
In an 8-K filed Tuesday morning, Delta said it was raising revenue guidance due to momentum in demand, citing strength across the main cabin, premium, loyalty and more. The airline also said its domestic and international unit revenues are growing in the mid-single digits year over year.
Delta added that it has its strongest balance sheet in the company’s history.
Bastian said most of Delta’s revenue comes from higher-spending customers who still want to travel, as well as from corporate customers.
“We’ve seen eight of the top 10 sales days in our history this quarter, and five of those just within the last two weeks, within just the last week of March,” he said. “Even with the war going on, our revenues, our bookings are up 25% year over year.”
Last quarter’s bookings are a softer comparison as the airline dealt with customers pulling back over tariff concerns.
