Delta sees strong summer sales, reinstates 2025 outlook

Delta Air Lines reinstated its 2025 profit forecast Thursday and reported better-than-expected second-quarter results, signaling a stronger summer travel season. The carrier’s shares rose nearly 12% yesterday.

CEO Ed Bastian said bookings have stabilized after a slow start to the year, though they remain below early projections. Delta now expects full-year earnings of $5.25 to $6.25 per share, lower than its initial $7.35 estimate.

Delta’s share jump lifted other airline stocks too.

The airline earned $2.10 per adjusted share in Q2, topping forecasts, on $15.51 billion in revenue. Net income surged 63% to $2.13 billion.

Delta forecasts third quarter earnings of $1.25–$1.75 per share, above Wall Street’s $1.31 consensus.

Premium seats and a partnership with AmEx drove strong gains, even as main cabin sales dropped 5%. Delta is trimming capacity post-summer and upgrading lounges to tackle overcrowding.

Corporate travel has stabilized, and more people are opting for off-peak European vacations.

While domestic fares have dropped, Delta’s premium revenue rose 5%. Bastian said fliers are booking closer to their travel dates, shifting strategies across the industry.