Business
Business

Higher fuel costs, storms drive down Delta profit

Snow slows flights in Atlanta Delta Air Lines has canceled more than 300 departures for Friday. Southwest Airlines has canceled more than 40 flights. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport officials advised travelers to check with airlines on the status of flights.
By
April 12, 2018

Higher fuel costs and storms that drove flight cancellations caused Delta Air Lines' profit to decline in the first quarter of the year.

Atlanta-based Delta reported record revenue for the quarter, with operating revenue at  more than $9.9 billion.

But that was offset by a 20 percent year-over-year increase in fuel expense and a $44 million toll from severe winter weather.

The storms included Nor'easters that caused hundreds of flight cancellations in Boston, New York and other airports. Delta also canceled hundreds of flights in mid-January due to snow and ice in the Southeast.

The airline’s net income declined 2 percent year-over-year to $547 million in the first quarter.

About the Author

As business team lead, Kelly Yamanouchi edits and writes business stories. She graduated from Harvard and has a master's degree from Northwestern.

Follow Kelly Yamanouchi on facebookFollow Kelly Yamanouchi on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Trains line the tracks during Tracks of Hope, an event hosted by Norfolk Southern in support of Hope Atlanta, in Forest Park, on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Norfolk Southern has become a prominent corporate citizen in the metro region, donating millions to charitable causes. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific shareholders OK merger. Here’s what’s next.

The proposed mega-railroad company would be headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, sending anxiety through the company's Atlanta ranks, where Norfolk Southern is based.

Design firm chosen to turn Midtown Atlanta eyesore into high-profile park

The look and feel of a planned public park in Atlanta’s largest high-rise district is soon going to take form.

Atlanta area home prices fell in October with steep declines in some places

Metro Atlanta's median sales prices dropped in October as more inventory is on the market.

The Latest

Older model used vehicles for sale at an independent dealership in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Nov. 11, 2023. Photo courtesy of Chris Hardesty.

Credit: Special

Beyond the odometer: What matters most in a used car

Why your car’s safety tech needs maintenance, too

OPINION

Saying goodbye to the Porsche 718 Cayman — for now

Featured

Prosecutor Skandalakis has previously suggested that pursuing criminal charges against President Donald Trump may not be feasible until after he leaves office in 2029. (Craig Hudson/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images

Prosecutor takes helm of Georgia case against Trump. But will he move forward?

A veteran Georgia prosecutor will decide the fate of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' election interference case against Donald Trump and his allies.

With some solar power tax breaks expiring, Georgians rush to catch the sun

Georgia solar installers say they’re seeing a surge of customers trying to install rooftop solar systems before federal tax credits go away at the end of the year.

‘Automatic for the People’: Weaver D’s still bonds Athens as era nears end

After feeding everyone from R.E.M. to Brian Kemp, and coining a phrase that went global, Dexter Weaver is preparing to close his storied Athens soul food restaurant.