CEO cites global tariff tensions as reason for murky outlook; company trims growth plans and braces for slower year
Delta Airlines (DAL) reported stalled revenue growth in the first quarter of 2025 and declined to reaffirm its full-year forecast, as CEO Ed Bastian pointed to unprecedented uncertainty stemming from the Trump administration’s escalating global trade tensions.
Despite beating earnings expectations with an adjusted net income of $298 million and earnings per share of $0.46, Delta narrowly missed revenue forecasts, posting $12.98 billion versus the expected $12.99 billion. Shares rose more than 3% in premarket trading Wednesday, recovering slightly after a steep 15% decline in the prior week triggered by tariff fears.
“We have pretty good visibility for the next 60 to 90 days,” Bastian told Yahoo Finance. “But beyond that, it’s murky. It would not be responsible to try to give an estimate in light of such uncertainty.”
Delta is the first major airline to report earnings this season, offering early insight into how geopolitical tensions and slowing corporate travel may impact the broader sector. Corporate travel revenue in Q1 grew only in the low single digits, driven largely by banking and tech sectors. Consumer demand also appears to be moderating.
Though Bastian noted resilient demand for premium international travel, especially from higher-income U.S. consumers, Delta is taking defensive action to weather the uncertain climate. The airline will trim planned capacity growth by 3% to 4%, reduce capital expenditures, and rely on natural attrition rather than layoffs to manage its workforce.
Delta’s summer season outlook is shaping up to be “strong, not great,” Bastian said, down from the company’s original 7% full-year revenue growth target.
Adding to investor concerns, Delta made no mention of the February crash-landing of Endeavor Air Flight 4819 in its earnings release, though ongoing investigations are likely to bring future scrutiny.
Looking ahead, Delta executives said an update on full-year guidance will come later in 2025, after there’s more clarity on the direction of trade policy and global markets. Analysts expect similar uncertainty to weigh on upcoming reports from United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest.
Despite current challenges, Delta emphasized its close communication with the Trump administration. “They continue to do their best to prioritize their home airlines,” Bastian said.
With key global events like the Paris Air Show on the horizon, airline executives are likely to delay major decisions until economic conditions stabilize. As Bastian put it, “Until there’s a little bit of clarity on the horizon, we’re going to have to go a bit into defensive mode.”
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