Delta Air Lines reports $200 million loss from U.S. government shutdown, the longest on record

"The longest government shutdown on record cost Delta Air Lines an estimated $200 million, CEO Ed Bastian said Wednesday in the first disclosure by a U.S. airline regarding the shutdown's financial impact.Bastian told investors that refunds "grew significantly" while bookings slowed amid the uncertainty in air travel caused by the 43-day shutdown, contributing to Delta's loss of about 25 cents per share."

"The shutdown, which began Oct. 1, led to long delays at major airports and historic flight cancellations at 40 of the country's busiest airports as more unpaid air traffic controllers missed work, citing additional stress and the need to take on side jobs. As the shutdown dragged into a second month, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency order requiring commercial airlines to cancel up to 6% of their domestic flights."

The 43-day government shutdown beginning Oct. 1 forced widespread air-travel disruption, including long delays and historic cancellations at 40 of the country's busiest airports. More unpaid air traffic controllers missed work, citing stress and the need for side jobs, prompting the FAA to issue an emergency order for airlines to cancel up to 6% of domestic flights. More than 10,000 flights were cut between Nov. 7 and Nov. 16. Refunds grew significantly and bookings slowed, contributing to Delta's roughly $200 million estimated cost and about a $0.25 per share loss. Delta experienced a busy Thanksgiving week and strong year-end bookings.

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