Glen Hauenstein, Delta's president and a key figure in transforming the airline into an industry profit leader with a focus on premium travel, is retiring in February after 18 years with the company. He will serve as a strategic advisor until 2026, with Delta promoting Joe Esposito to chief commercial officer. Hauenstein's strategies included expanding Delta's international network and increasing revenue from premium services, helping Delta outperform competitors in profitability.
Delta Air Lines is launching the first-ever direct flights from the U.S. to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in strengthening US-Saudi relations and supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to boost tourism and diversify its economy. Despite initial hesitations due to historical tensions, Delta CEO Ed Bastian believes the route will gain popularity as more Americans discover Riyadh's attractions and hospitality. The new route connects Atlanta to Riyadh, with strategic cooperation between Delta and Saudi's Riyadh Air, aiming to enhance global connectivity and economic growth.
A Delta flight attendant accidentally deployed an emergency slide on an Airbus A220 at Pittsburgh, costing between $50,000 and $70,000, disrupting the flight and highlighting the risks of inadvertent slide deployments in aviation.
Delta Air Lines' recent financial results highlight a significant shift in passenger preferences, with premium seat sales expected to surpass main cabin sales by 2026, driven by increased demand from wealthier travelers and strategic focus on profitable routes, signaling a robust outlook for the airline industry.
Delta Air Lines reported strong Q3 earnings driven by improved travel demand, with stock rising 7%, despite ongoing airport delays caused by staff shortages during the government shutdown, which have affected major airports nationwide.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian stated that the airline's operations are currently unaffected by the federal government shutdown, but if it continues beyond 10 days, disruptions may occur due to ongoing air traffic controller shortages and staffing issues, which have already caused delays and raised concerns in the aviation industry.
Delta Air Lines exceeded earnings expectations for Q3 and forecast a strong finish to 2025 driven by rising airfares and resilient luxury travel demand, with positive outlook for 2026 and shares rising over 5% premarket.
Two Delta regional jets collided on the taxiway at LaGuardia Airport, injuring a flight attendant with no passengers hurt. The incident involved two CRJ-900 planes operated by Endeavor Air, and is under investigation by the FAA. Delta expressed concern for safety and apologized, with airport operations unaffected.
Two Endeavor Air regional planes collided on a LaGuardia Airport taxiway, injuring one passenger, with one plane missing a wing; the cause is unclear, and the incident occurred amid a government shutdown affecting air traffic control staffing.
Two Delta Air Lines planes, operated by Endeavor Air, collided at low speed on a taxiway at LaGuardia Airport, causing minor injuries and damage, with no impact on airport operations. Passengers were evacuated and provided with accommodations, while investigations are ongoing.
Delta Air Lines has suspended an unknown number of employees pending investigation after their social media posts about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which were deemed to go beyond respectful debate, amid a broader backlash and similar actions by other organizations.
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines saw their stocks drop nearly 2-2.5% after being sued by passengers claiming they were charged for window seats but received windowless ones, with the lawsuits seeking damages for over a million customers. The case highlights risks in airline reputation and legal issues, amid a year of economic and geopolitical pressures on the sector, despite strong stock performance and new premium offerings.
Passengers sued Delta and United Airlines, claiming they paid extra for window seats only to be seated next to blank walls due to seats lacking windows, which the airlines did not disclose during booking, leading to potential damages for over a million passengers each.
A Delta plane in Atlanta clipped an empty aircraft during pushback, causing a delay but no injuries, and passengers were transferred to another plane for their flight to Guatemala City.
A Delta Air Lines plane wing clipped another aircraft at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, causing a minor incident that is under investigation, with no reported injuries.
