Delta Air Lines has released its financial results for the December quarter and full year 2025, along with its outlook for early 2026. The airline reported operating revenue of $16.0 billion and operating income of $1.5 billion for the December quarter, resulting in an operating margin of 9.2%. Pre-tax income was also $1.5 billion, representing a pre-tax margin of 9.5%, while earnings per share stood at $1.86. Operating cash flow for the quarter reached $2.3 billion.
For the full year 2025, Delta reported operating revenue of $63.4 billion and operating income of $5.8 billion, maintaining an operating margin of 9.2%. Pre-tax income totaled $6.2 billion with a pre-tax margin of 9.8%. Earnings per share were reported at $7.66, and annual operating cash flow amounted to $8.3 billion.
The company made payments on debt and finance lease obligations totaling $4.8 billion during the year, ending with total debt and finance lease obligations at $14.1 billion.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian commented on the results: “The Delta team delivered a strong close to our Centennial year, demonstrating the differentiation and durability we’ve built,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Our industry-leading performance delivered for our customers and our employees, while creating value for our owners, consistent with our long-term financial framework. We generated $5 billion of pre-tax profit with a double-digit operating margin and record free cash flow of $4.6 billion, all while navigating a challenging environment. These results would not be possible without the exceptional efforts of our people, and I look forward to celebrating our team next month with $1.3 billion of well-earned profit sharing.”
Bastian added: “2026 is off to a strong start with top-line growth accelerating on consumer and corporate demand. For the full year, we expect to deliver margin expansion and earnings growth of 20% year-over-year.”
Delta Air Lines operates as a major global carrier connecting more than 350 destinations worldwide through scheduled passenger and cargo flights using a diverse fleet that includes aircraft from manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing (official website). The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia (official website) and has been in operation since its origins as an aerial crop-dusting business in 1925 (official website). Today it emphasizes reliable air travel across continents for millions of customers each year (official website).
