Travel stocks remain in focus this week as escalations continue between the US and Iran, with the Trump administration threatening to soon hit Tehran “extremely hard". Geopolitical friction often serves as a major headwind for the travel industry as it drives up jet fuel prices – its highest variable cost – and forces expensive flight rerouting.
Airlines have trimmed their schedules, added surcharges abd raised fees or fares as the price of jet fuel rises. Jet fuel is generally airlines' biggest cost after labor.
Delta Air Lines will raise fees for checked bags on domestic and select short-haul international routes, a move that comes as airlines look to offset soaring jet fuel costs stemming from the Iran war.
Delta Air Lines is scheduled to report earnings ahead of the opening bell Wednesday, with traders anticipating a big move from the carrier's stock following the results.
A new earnings season is about to begin, and Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL) will be among the first to announce quarterly results, with its fiscal first-quarter results slated for release before the open on Wednesday, April 8.
America's biggest airlines are gearing up to report earnings this month amid an uncertain time for the industry.
Delta Air Lines recently reported strong demand and industry pricing strength in the face of fast-rising fuel prices and has guided to strong earnings growth for 2026. DAL delivered a 9.8% pre-tax margin on $63.4B revenue in 2025, accounting for 55% of U.S. airline industry profits. Strong premium passenger revenue, an $8.3B Amex partnership, and loyalty program strength insulate DAL from macroeconomic headwinds.
Top executives at the major U.S. airlines have been vocal in sharing their frustrations amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, which has resulted in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing shortages, lengthy airport security lines, and flight delays.
Looking beyond Wall Street's top-and-bottom-line estimate forecasts for Delta (DAL), delve into some of its key metrics to gain a deeper insight into the company's potential performance for the quarter ended March 2026.
Delta Air Lines stock price has done better than other American airlines during the ongoing Iran war. It has jumped by 5% in the last 30 days, while other companies like Southwest, United Airlines, and American Airlines have dropped by over 10% in this period.
DAL to report Q1 2026 earnings on April 8, higher fuel and labor costs vs strong bookings have lifted its revenue outlook to $15-$15.3B.
Delta Air Lines will be reporting its Q1 on April 8. Shares in the airliner's stock have outperformed its peers and are still performing relatively well despite broader market volatility elsewhere. I expect fuel costs and shutdown-related airport strains to be two key topics of discussion.