Delta Air Lines on Wednesday reported first-quarter 2026 net income of $1.3 billion, setting a new record for Q1 profitability. The Atlanta-based carrier cited record premium cabin revenue and a strong rebound in business travel as key drivers.
Financial Highlights
Total revenue for the quarter reached $14.2 billion, up 9% from Q1 2025. Operating margin improved to 12.4%. Delta's premium cabin revenue — first class and business class on international routes — grew 18% year-over-year.
Business Travel Recovery
Corporate bookings rose 14% compared to Q1 2025, with technology and financial services sectors leading the recovery. Delta CEO Ed Bastian called it "the strongest corporate travel environment we have seen since 2019."
Outlook
Delta raised its full-year 2026 earnings per share guidance to $7.50–$8.50, up from the prior range of $6.50–$7.50. The airline expects capacity to grow 5–7% for the full year.
