DAL · 10-Q · 2026Q2 · Full report

Operating Expense Trends

DELTA AIR LINES, INC. · 2026-07-10 · Importance 54 · Surprise 40 · No source text

Total operating expense for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $33,246 million, an increase of $5,229 million from $28,017 million in the prior-year period. Major drivers included the $2.0 billion increase in aircraft fuel and related taxes and a $1.542 billion increase in refinery expense tied to third-party refinery activity. Salaries and related costs were $9,302 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, up from $8,485 million in 2025. Management notes that, unless discussed, changes in operating expense line items are consistent with the three-month results discussion.

Key facts

• Total operating expense for the six months ended June 30, 2026: $33,246 million versus $28,017 million in prior period, increase of $5,229 million. source
• Aircraft fuel and related taxes expense for the three months ended June 30, 2026: $4,109 million; for the three months ended June 30, 2025: $2,458 million (increase of $1,651 million). source
• Aircraft fuel and related taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2026: $6,851 million versus $4,869 million in prior period, increase of $1,982 million. source
• Operating expense, adjusted for the three months ended June 30, 2026: $16,102 million (operating expense $17,893 adjusted for third-party refinery sales $(2,091) and MTM adjustments and settlements on hedges). source
• Salaries and related costs for the six months ended June 30, 2026: $9,302 million versus $8,485 million in prior period. source
• Salaries and related costs for the three months ended June 30, 2026: $4,762 million; for the three months ended June 30, 2025: $4,402 million. source

Impact estimates