DAL Delta Air Lines, Inc. - 10-K

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the following material risk factors applicable to Delta. As described below, these risks could materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations in the future.

Risk Factors Relating to Delta

We are at risk of losses and adverse publicity stemming from a serious accident involving our aircraft or aircraft of our airline partners.

An aircraft crash or other serious accident involving our aircraft or those of our airline partners could expose us to significant liability. Although we believe that our insurance coverage is appropriate, we may be forced to bear substantial losses from an accident in the event that the coverage was not sufficient.

In addition, any accident involving an aircraft or aircraft type that we operate or that is operated by another airline, including our regional carriers or codeshare, alliance or joint venture partners, could create a negative public perception about safety and reliability for aviation authorities and the public, which could harm our reputation, resulting in air travelers being reluctant to fly on our aircraft and therefore harm our business.

Breaches or lapses in the security of the technology systems we use and rely on could compromise the data stored within them and consequently disrupt our operations, damage our reputation and expose us to liability, any or all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

As a regular part of our ordinary business operations, we process a high volume of information, including personal information about individuals we have a relationship with and other sensitive business information. The secure operation of our networks and systems, and those of our business partners and third-party service providers, on which this type of information is processed is critical to our business operations and strategy. These networks and systems are subject to high levels of threat of continually evolving cybersecurity risks, which we must manage.

We expect unauthorized parties to continue attempting to gain access to our systems or information, or those of our business partners and third-party service providers, including through fraud or other means of deception, or introduction of malicious code, such as malware and ransomware. If successful, these actions could cause harm to our computer systems or compromise data stored on our computer networks or those of our business partners and third-party service providers, potentially causing us to incur remedial, legal and other costs, which could be material. Hardware or software we or our business partners or third-party service providers develop, acquire or use in connection with our systems may contain defects that could unexpectedly compromise information security.

The methods used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems are constantly evolving and may be difficult to anticipate or to detect for long periods of time. Threat actors are also increasingly leveraging advanced technologies, including the use of AI and automated tools, to enhance the scale, speed and effectiveness of cyberattacks. As a result of these types of risks and regular attacks on our systems, we review and update procedures and processes to prevent and protect against unauthorized access to our systems and information and inadvertent misuse of data. In addition to assessing risk and reviewing our procedures, processes and technologies, we continue to educate our employees and contractors about these risks and to monitor, review and update the process and control requirements we expect third parties and vendors to leverage and implement for the protection of Delta information in their care. However, the constantly changing nature of the threats means that we may not be able to prevent all information security breaches or misuse of data. In addition, as cybercriminals become more sophisticated, including through the use of AI-enabled technologies, the cost of proactive defensive measures continues to increase.

We are also subject to evolving global privacy and security regulatory obligations and an increasing customer focus on privacy issues and data security in the United States and abroad, as well as to geopolitical risks associated with international data transfer. The compromise of our or our business partners’ or third-party service providers’ technology systems could result in disruption to our operations, damage to our reputation and legal claims or proceedings, liability, fines or other regulatory enforcement actions, any or all of which could adversely affect our business. The costs to remediate these incidents could be material.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Disruptions of our information technology infrastructure could interfere with our operations, possibly having a material adverse effect on our business.

Disruptions in our information technology capability could result from a technology error or failure impacting our internal systems, whether hosted internally at our data centers or externally at third-party locations, or large-scale external interruption in technology infrastructure support on which we depend, such as power, telecommunications or the internet. The operation of our technology systems and the use of related data may also be vulnerable to a variety of other sources of interruption, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, computer viruses, hackers and other security issues. A significant individual, sustained or repeated failure of our information technology infrastructure, including third-party networks, software-as-a-service applications, cloud services, or technology that we utilize and on which we depend, could impact our operations and our customer service, result in loss of revenue and increased costs, and damage our reputation. While we have initiatives and disaster recovery plans in place to prevent or mitigate disruptions, we have experienced a significant disruption in the past, such as the global outage caused by a faulty update by cybersecurity vendor CrowdStrike in July 2024 that resulted in global information technology outages of Windows-based systems and significantly affected our information technology systems, disrupting our operations. While we continue to invest in improvements to our preventative initiatives and disaster recovery plans, the measures we have in place may not be adequate to prevent future business disruptions and any material adverse financial and reputational consequences to our business.

Failure of the technology we use to perform effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are dependent on technology initiatives and capabilities to provide customer service and operational effectiveness in order to compete in the current business environment. For example, substantially all of our tickets are issued to our customers as electronic tickets, and a significant number of our customers check in for flights using our website, airport kiosks and the Delta app. We have made and continue to make significant investments in customer facing technology such as delta.com, the Delta app, in-flight wireless internet, check-in kiosks, customer service applications, application of biometric technology, airport information displays, new AI-based tools and services, and related initiatives, including security for these initiatives. We have also invested in significant upgrades to technology infrastructure and other supporting systems and have largely completed a transition to cloud-based technologies. The performance, reliability and security of the technology we use are critical to our ability to serve customers. New and emerging technologies, including AI‑based tools and services, may not perform as intended, may be difficult to implement, integrate or scale, or may require ongoing training, monitoring and refinement. If our technology initiatives and capabilities do not perform effectively or accurately, including as a result of the implementation or integration of new or upgraded technologies or systems, our business and operations can be negatively affected, which could be material. In addition, if we are unable to develop or deploy new technologies, including AI‑enabled capabilities, as quickly or effectively as our competitors, or if our investments do not deliver expected benefits, our ability to compete and meet customer expectations could be adversely affected. As discussed above, the faulty CrowdStrike software update significantly affected our information technology systems, disrupting our operations. Additional failures of the technology we use or depend on could expose us to liability, disrupt our business and damage our reputation in the future.

Our business and results of operations are dependent on the price of aircraft fuel. High fuel costs or cost increases, including in the cost of crude oil, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our results of operations are significantly impacted by changes in the price of aircraft fuel. Fuel costs represented 17%, 19% and 21% of our operating expense in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Fuel prices are highly volatile and at times have increased substantially in relatively short periods of time. Between 2023 and 2025, our average fuel price per gallon has ranged from a monthly high of $3.22 in October 2023 to a monthly low of $2.20 in August 2025.

We acquire a significant amount of jet fuel from Monroe. The cost of the jet fuel we purchase under these arrangements remains subject to volatility, including from the cost of crude oil. In addition, we have historically purchased a significant amount of aircraft fuel in addition to what we obtain from Monroe. Our aircraft fuel purchase contracts alone do not provide material protection against price increases as these contracts typically establish the price based on industry standard market price indices.

Because passengers often purchase tickets well in advance of their travel, a significant rapid increase in fuel price could result in the fare charged not covering that increase. At times in the past, we often were not able to increase our fares to offset fully the effect of increases in fuel costs, and we may not be able to do so in the future.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Significant extended disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel, including from Monroe, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Weather-related events, natural disasters, political disruptions or disputes involving oil-producing countries, changes in governmental policy concerning aircraft fuel production, transportation or taxes, changes in refining capacity or refining priorities, environmental concerns and other unpredictable events may impact crude oil and jet fuel supply and could result in shortages in the future. Shortages in fuel supplies could have negative effects on our business and results of operations.

Unplanned disruptions or interruptions of production at Monroe's refinery could have a negative impact on our ability to acquire jet fuel needed for our operations. Disruptions or interruptions of production at the refinery could result from various sources including a major accident or mechanical failure, interruption of supply or delivery of crude oil, work stoppages relating to organized labor issues, or damage from severe weather or other natural or man-made disasters, including acts of terrorism. If the refinery were to experience an unexpected interruption in operations, disruptions in fuel supplies could have negative effects on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the financial benefits from the operation of the refinery could be materially adversely affected (to the extent not recoverable through insurance) because of lost production and repair costs.

If Monroe's cost of producing non-jet fuel products significantly exceeds the value it receives for those products, the financial benefits we expect to achieve through the ownership of the refinery and our consolidated results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Our commercial relationships with airlines in other parts of the world and the investments that we have in certain of those carriers may not produce the results or returns we expect.

An important part of our strategy to expand our global network has been to develop and expand strategic relationships with a number of airlines through joint ventures and other forms of cooperation and support, including equity investments. These relationships and investments involve significant challenges and risks, including that joint ventures or cooperation agreements may be subject to ongoing review and renewal requirements and may not generate the expected financial results, or that we may not realize a satisfactory return on our investments. On September 15, 2025, the DOT issued a final order terminating the antitrust immunity for our joint cooperation agreement with Aeroméxico and directed us and Aeroméxico to wind down certain joint operations that were covered by the immunity by January 1, 2026. We and Aeroméxico subsequently filed a petition in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit for judicial review of the DOT final order. On November 12, 2025, the Court granted a stay of the final order pending the resolution of the case, the timing and outcome of which cannot be predicted at this time. In the meantime, we and Aeroméxico continue to operate under the joint cooperation agreement.

We are dependent on these other carriers for significant aspects of our network in the regions in which they operate. While we work closely with these carriers, we do not have control over their operations or business methods. To the extent that the operations of any of these carriers are disrupted over an extended period or their actions have a significant adverse effect on our operations, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. If our commercial arrangements with any of these partners are not maintained, any investments or other assets associated with those partners could become impaired, and our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

A significant disruption in, or other problems with respect to, the operations or performance of third parties on which we rely, including third-party carriers, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We rely on the operations and performance of third parties in a number of areas that are important to our business, including third-party regional carriers, international alliance partners, technology service providers and ground operation providers at some airports. While we have agreements with certain of these third parties that define expected service performance, we do not have direct control over their operations. To the extent that the operations of a third-party on which we rely are significantly disrupted or if these third parties experience significant performance issues (including failing to satisfy any applicable performance standards) or fail to meet any applicable compliance requirements, our revenue may be reduced, our expenses may be increased and our reputation may be harmed, any or all of which could result in a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Agreements governing our debt, including our credit facilities and our SkyMiles financing agreements, include financial and other covenants. Certain of these covenants could impose restrictions on our business, and failure to comply with any of the covenants in these agreements could result in events of default.

Our debt agreements, including our credit facilities and our SkyMiles financing agreements, contain various affirmative, negative and financial covenants. Certain of our debt agreements and our SkyMiles financing agreements contain minimum coverage ratios. A decline in these coverage ratios, including due to factors that are beyond our control, could trigger an early amortization event or, if applicable, require us to post additional collateral. Our SkyMiles financing agreements also restrict our ability to, among other things, change the policies and procedures of the SkyMiles program in a manner that would reasonably be expected to materially impair repayment of our SkyMiles debt. Complying with certain of the covenants in our debt agreements, and other restrictive covenants that may be contained in any future debt agreements, could limit our ability to operate our business and to take advantage of business opportunities that are in our long-term interest.

While the covenants in our debt agreements are subject to important exceptions and qualifications, if we fail to comply with them and are unable to obtain a waiver or amendment, refinance the indebtedness subject to these covenants or take other mitigating actions, an event of default would result. These arrangements also contain other events of default customary for such financings. If an event of default were to occur, the lenders or noteholders could, among other things, declare outstanding amounts due and payable and where applicable and subject to the terms of relevant collateral agreements, repossess collateral, including aircraft or other valuable assets. In addition, an event of default or acceleration of indebtedness under one agreement could result in an event of default under other of our financing agreements. The acceleration of significant indebtedness could require us to seek to renegotiate, repay or refinance the obligations under our financing arrangements, and there is no assurance that such renegotiation or refinancing efforts would be successful.

Employee strikes and other labor-related disruptions may have a material adverse effect on our operations.

Our business is labor intensive, utilizing large numbers of pilots, flight attendants, aircraft maintenance technicians, ground support personnel and other personnel. As of December 31, 2025, approximately 20% of our workforce, primarily pilots, was unionized. Relations between air carriers and labor unions in the United States are governed by the Railway Labor Act, which provides that a collective bargaining agreement between an airline and a labor union does not expire, but instead becomes amendable as of a stated date. The Railway Labor Act generally prohibits strikes or other types of self-help actions both before and after a collective bargaining agreement becomes amendable, unless and until the collective bargaining processes required by the Railway Labor Act have been exhausted. Separately, the NLRA governs Monroe’s relations with the union representing their employees, which generally allows self-help after a collective bargaining agreement expires.

If we or our subsidiaries are unable to reach agreement with any of our unionized work groups in future negotiations regarding the terms of their collective bargaining agreements or if additional segments of our workforce become unionized, we may be subject to work interruptions or stoppages, subject to the requirements of the Railway Labor Act or the NLRA, as the case may be. Strikes or labor disputes with our unionized employees may have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct business. Likewise, if third-party regional carriers with which we have contract carrier agreements are unable to reach agreement with their unionized work groups in current or future negotiations regarding the terms of their collective bargaining agreements, those carriers may be subject to work interruptions or stoppages, subject to the requirements of the Railway Labor Act, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

Our results can fluctuate due to seasonality and other factors.

Our results of operations are impacted by a number of factors including seasonality and changing economic and other conditions beyond our control. Demand for air travel has historically been higher in the June and September quarters, particularly in our international markets, because there is more vacation travel during these periods than during the remainder of the year. Seasonal shifting of demand causes our financial results to vary on a quarterly basis. Changes in the value of our equity investments in other airlines and airline service companies can also be significant and cause fluctuations in our results. Other factors that may affect our results include severe weather conditions and natural disasters (or other environmental events), which could significantly disrupt service and create air traffic control problems. In addition, increases in the frequency, severity or duration of thunderstorms, hurricanes, typhoons, floods or other severe weather events, including from changes in the global climate and rising global temperatures, could result in increases in delays and cancellations, turbulence-related injuries and fuel consumption to avoid such weather, any of which could result in loss of revenue and higher costs. Because of fluctuations in our results from seasonality and other factors, results of operations for a historical period are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for a future period and results of operations for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for an entire year.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors

An environmental or other incident associated with the operation of the Monroe refinery could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial results if insurance is unable to cover a significant liability. In addition, such an incident could damage our reputation.

Monroe's refining operations are subject to various hazards unique to refinery operations, including explosions, fires, toxic emissions and natural catastrophes. Monroe could incur substantial losses, including cleanup costs, fines and other sanctions and third-party claims, and its operations could be interrupted, as a result of such an incident. Monroe's insurance coverage does not cover all potential losses, costs or liabilities, and Monroe could suffer losses for uninsurable or uninsured risks or in amounts greater than its insurance coverage. In addition, Monroe's ability to obtain and maintain adequate insurance may be affected by conditions in the insurance market over which it has no control. If Monroe were to incur a significant liability for which it is not fully insured or for which insurance companies do not or are unable to provide coverage, this could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial results of operations or consolidated financial position. In addition, because of our ownership of Monroe, the occurrence of an environmental or other incident could result in damage to our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

The operation of the refinery by Monroe is subject to significant environmental regulation. Failure to comply with environmental regulations or the enactment of additional regulation applicable to Monroe could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial results.

Monroe’s operations are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, waste management, pollution prevention measures and greenhouse gas emissions, which are subject to change over time. Monroe could incur fines and other sanctions, cleanup costs and third-party claims as a result of violations of or liabilities under environmental, health and safety requirements, which if significant, could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial results. In addition, the enactment of new, more stringent environmental laws and regulations, including any laws or regulations relating to greenhouse gas emissions, could significantly increase the level of expenditures required for Monroe or restrict its operations.

In particular, in administering the RFS, created by the U.S. Congress under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the EPA created a program to ensure compliance with RFS mandates for the blending of renewable fuels into Transportation Fuels. RINs are assigned to renewable fuels produced or imported into the U.S. that are blended into Transportation Fuels to demonstrate compliance with this obligation. A refinery may meet its obligation under RFS by blending the necessary volumes of renewable fuels with Transportation Fuels, by purchasing RINs in the open market, or by a combination of blending and purchasing RINs.

Because Monroe is able to blend only a small amount of renewable fuels, it must purchase the majority of its RINs obligation in the secondary market. As a result, Monroe is exposed to the market price of RINs. Historically, market prices for RINs have been volatile, marked by periods of sharp increases and decreases, including in response to speculation about what the EPA and/or the U.S. Congress will do with respect to compliance obligations. We cannot predict these actions or the future prices of RINs.

Existing laws or regulations could change, and the minimum volumes of renewable fuels that must be blended with refined petroleum products may increase. Increases in the volume of renewable fuels that must be blended into Monroe’s products could limit the refinery’s production if sufficient numbers of RINs are not available for purchase, or if relief from this requirement is not obtained, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial results.

Significant damage to our reputation and brand, including as a result of significant adverse publicity or inability to achieve certain sustainability goals, could materially adversely affect our business and financial results.

Maintaining our reputation and global brand is critical to our business. We operate in a highly visible and public environment with significant real-time exposure to traditional and social media. Adverse publicity, whether justified or not, can rapidly spread, including through social or digital media. In particular, passengers can use social media to portray interactions with Delta, without context, in a manner that can be quickly and broadly disseminated. AI‑enabled tools may also be used to generate, manipulate or amplify inaccurate, misleading or fabricated content, including social media posts, images or videos, which may be difficult to promptly identify or correct. To the extent we are unable to respond in a timely and appropriate manner to adverse publicity, including content that is false or misleading, our brand and reputation may be damaged.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our reputation and brand could also be adversely impacted by, among other things, failure to make progress toward and achieve our environmental sustainability goals, as well as public pressure from investors or policy groups to change our policies or negative public perception of the environmental impact of air travel. Our climate strategy and transition plan is continuing to develop and evolve. We have established ambitious goals to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, which we are unable to achieve using our existing fleet, current technologies and available fuel sources. Our ability to execute on such a plan and achieve our goals is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, as it is dependent on the actions of governments and third parties and will require, among other things, significant capital investment, including from third parties, research and development from manufacturers and other stakeholders, along with government policies and incentives to reduce the cost, and incent production, of SAF and other technologies that are not presently in existence or available at scale. Significant damage to our reputation and brand could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results, including as a result of litigation related to any of these matters.

If we lose senior management and other key employees and they are not replaced by individuals with comparable skills, or we otherwise fail to maintain our company culture, our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

We are dependent on the experience and industry knowledge of our officers and other key employees to design and execute our business plans. If we experience a substantial turnover in our leadership and other key employees and we are not able to replace these persons with individuals with comparable skills, or we otherwise fail to maintain our company culture, our performance could be materially adversely impacted. Furthermore, we may be unable to attract and retain additional qualified senior management and other key personnel as needed in the future.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risk Factors Relating to the Airline Industry

Disease outbreaks or other public health threats, and measures implemented to combat them have had, and may in the future have, a material adverse effect on our business.

The measures governments and private parties implement in order to stem the spread of a disease outbreak or other public threat, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the general concern among travelers about such a disease outbreak or public threat have had, and may in the future have, a material adverse effect on the demand for worldwide air travel compared to historical levels, and consequently upon our business for an extended period.

Our operations could be negatively affected further if our employees are quarantined or sickened as a result of exposure to a disease outbreak, or as a result of a similar public health crisis, or if they are subject to additional governmental curfews or " shelter in place " health orders or similar restrictions. Measures restricting the ability of our airport or in-flight employees to come to work negatively impact our service or operations, all of which could negatively affect our business.

We are unable to predict the extent to which disease outbreaks or other public health threats that may arise in the future may change our customers' behavior or travel patterns, which could have a material impact on our business. The degree to which any future disease outbreaks or public health threats may impact our revenues, results of operations and financial condition is uncertain and will depend on future developments.

Terrorist attacks, geopolitical conflict or security events may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Terrorist attacks, geopolitical conflict or security events, or the fear or threat of any of these events, could have a significant adverse effect on our business. Despite significant security measures implemented at airports and airlines, the airline industry remains a high profile target for terrorist groups and cyber threat actors. We rely on government-provided threat intelligence and utilize private sources to constantly monitor for threats from terrorist groups and individuals, including from violent extremists both internationally and domestically, with respect to direct threats against our operations and in ways not directly related to the airline industry. In addition, the impact on our operations of avoiding areas of the world, including airspace, in which there are geopolitical conflicts and the targeting of commercial aircraft by parties to those conflicts can be significant. Security events, primarily from external sources but also from potential insider threats, also pose a significant risk to our passenger and cargo operations. These events could include random acts of violence and could occur in public areas that we cannot control.

Terrorist attacks, geopolitical conflict or security events, or the fear or threat of any of these events, even if not made directly on or involving the airline industry, could have a significant negative impact on us by discouraging or preventing passengers from flying, leading to decreased ticket sales and increased refunds. In addition, potential costs from these types of events include increased security costs, impacts from avoiding flight paths over areas in which conflict is occurring or could occur, such as flight redirections or cancellations, reputational harm and other costs. If any or all of these types of events occur, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The global airline industry is highly competitive and, if we cannot successfully compete in the marketplace, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.

The airline industry is highly competitive, marked by significant competition with respect to routes, fares, schedules (both timing and frequency), operational reliability, services, products, customer service and loyalty programs. Over the last 20 years, the industry has evolved significantly both domestically and internationally. Consolidation, international alliances, immunized joint ventures and subsidized government-sponsored international carriers have shaped the competitive landscape in the industry, resulting in airlines and alliances with significant financial resources, extensive global networks and competitive cost structures.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our domestic operations are subject to significant competition from traditional network carriers, including American Airlines and United Airlines, national point-to-point carriers, including Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines, and other discount or ultra-low-cost carriers, including Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Some of these carriers have business models primarily focused on maintaining low costs, with the intention of providing service at lower fares to destinations served by Delta. In particular, we face significant competition at our domestic hubs and key airports either directly at those airports or at the hubs of other airlines that are located in close proximity. We also face competition in small- to medium-sized markets from regional jet operations of other carriers. Our ability to compete in the domestic market effectively depends, in part, on our ability to maintain a competitive cost structure. If we cannot maintain our costs at a competitive level, then our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Our international operations are subject to competition from both foreign and domestic carriers, including from point-to-point carriers on certain international routes. Through alliance and other marketing and codesharing agreements with foreign carriers, U.S. carriers have increased their ability to sell international transportation, such as services to and beyond traditional European, Asian and Latin American gateway cities. Similarly, foreign carriers have obtained increased access to interior U.S. passenger traffic beyond traditional U.S. gateway cities through these relationships.

In particular, several joint ventures among U.S. and foreign carriers, including several of our joint ventures as well as those of our competitors, have received grants of antitrust immunity allowing the participating carriers to coordinate networks, schedules, pricing, sales and inventory. In addition, alliances formed by domestic and foreign carriers, including SkyTeam, the Star Alliance (among United Airlines, Lufthansa German Airlines, Air Canada and others) and the oneworld alliance (among American Airlines, British Airways, Qantas and others) have enhanced competition in international markets.

To a lesser extent, the airline industry also faces competition from surface transportation and technological alternatives such as virtual meetings, teleconferencing or videoconferencing. Increased competition from these sectors in both the domestic and international markets may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Extended interruptions or disruptions in service at major airports in which we operate or significant problems associated with a type of aircraft or engine we operate could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The airline industry is heavily dependent on business models that concentrate operations in major airports in the United States and throughout the world. An interruption or disruption at an airport or facility where we have significant operations, whether resulting from air traffic control delays, interruptions in other government services or staffing shortages (including as a result of prolonged government shutdowns), failure of computer systems or technology infrastructure, weather events or natural disasters, or performance issues from third-party service providers, if sustained for an extended period of time, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Similarly, the airline industry is heavily dependent on a limited number of aircraft and engine manufacturers whose products are subject to extensive regulatory requirements. Any significant problems associated with an aircraft or engine type that we operate, including new aircraft or engine types, such as design defects, mechanical problems, contractual performance by the manufacturers or adverse perception by the public leading to customer avoidance, or adverse actions by the FAA resulting in limitations on use or grounding could have a negative impact on our operations if we are not able to substitute or replace the affected aircraft or engine type. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The airline industry is subject to extensive regulatory and legal compliance requirements, which is costly and could materially adversely affect our business.

Airlines are subject to extensive regulatory and legal compliance requirements that result in significant costs and may have material adverse effects on our business. For instance, the FAA from time to time issues directives and other regulations relating to the maintenance and operation of aircraft that necessitate significant expenditures and could carry operational implications. We expect to continue incurring significant expenses to comply with the FAA’s regulations. In addition, a directive or other regulation that has a significant operational impact on us–including, for example, a temporary reduction in flights at high-traffic airports to address air traffic control staffing challenges–could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Inefficiencies in the U.S. air traffic control system, which is regulated by the FAA, including outdated technology and inadequate staffing levels have resulted, and may in the future result, in delays and disruptions of air traffic, especially during peak travel periods in certain congested markets. Failure to implement measures to improve the air traffic control system could lead to capacity constraints as well as increased delays and inefficiencies in flight operations as demand for U.S. air travel increases, having a material adverse effect on our operations. Failure to update the air traffic control system in a timely manner, and the substantial funding requirements of an updated system that may be imposed on air carriers, may have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Airport slot access is subject to government regulation and changes in slot regulations or allocations could impose a significant cost on the airlines operating in airports subject to such regulations or allocations or otherwise adversely affect an airline’s business. Certain of our hubs are among the most congested airports in the United States and have been, and could in the future be, the subject of regulatory action that might limit the number of flights and/or increase costs of operations at certain times or throughout the day. Air traffic control inefficiencies or inadequate staffing levels can also exacerbate these pressures.

Other laws, regulations, taxes and airport rates and charges have also been imposed from time to time that significantly increase the cost of airline operations, reduce revenues or otherwise impact our business. The industry is heavily taxed. Additional taxes and fees, if implemented, could negatively impact our results of operations.

As an international carrier, we are subject to a wide variety of U.S. and foreign laws that affect trade, including tariff and trade policies, export and import requirements, taxes, monetary policies and other restrictions and charges. In particular, the imposition of significant new tariffs or increases in existing tariffs with respect to aircraft or related parts that we are not able to mitigate could substantially increase our costs, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Some of our operations are in high-risk legal compliance environments. Failure to comply with trade sanctions and restrictions, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA") and similar anti-bribery laws in non-U.S. jurisdictions, as well as other applicable laws or regulations could result in litigation, assessment of damages, imposition of penalties or other consequences, any or all of which could harm our reputation and have an adverse effect on our financial results. In certain circumstances, we also may be subject to consequences of the failure of our airline partners to comply with laws and regulations, including U.S. laws to which they may be subject such as the FCPA.

We and other U.S. carriers are subject to U.S. and foreign data privacy and security laws, as well as emerging laws and regulations governing the use of AI, that are not consistent in all countries in which we operate and which are continuously evolving, requiring ongoing monitoring and updates to our privacy, information security and AI governance programs. Although we dedicate significant resources to manage compliance with global privacy, information security and AI-related obligations, this challenging regulatory environment may pose material risks to our business, including increased operational burdens and costs, regulatory enforcement, and legal claims or proceedings.

The airline industry is subject to many forms of environmental regulation, including but not limited to regulation of hazardous substances, increased regulation to reduce emissions and other risks associated with climate change. The cost of compliance with more stringent environmental regulations, failure to comply with existing or future regulations or failure to otherwise manage the risks of climate change effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Many aspects of our operations are subject to evolving and increasingly stringent federal, state, local and international laws governing environmental protection. Compliance with existing and future environmental laws and regulations could require capital investment and increase operational costs, and violations can lead to significant fines and penalties and reputational harm.

For example, in 2024, the EPA finalized regulations defining certain PFAS as "hazardous substances" under CERCLA, and the EPA also finalized standards for regulating certain PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act. PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, including the firefighting foams used to extinguish fuel-based fires at airports and refineries. Numerous states have also adopted regulations governing PFAS. The EPA’s final rule under CERCLA, and analogous state laws, could subject airports, airlines, and refineries, among others, to potential liability for cleanup of historical PFAS contamination associated with use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam. In addition, some states have adopted legislation prohibiting the manufacture, sale, distribution and/or use of firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS, which may require the transition to alternative fire suppression systems. Delta has developed and is implementing plans to transition the fire suppression systems in affected aircraft maintenance hangars to systems that do not contain intentionally added PFAS. The ultimate impact and associated cost to Delta of these legislative and regulatory developments related to PFAS, including firefighting foam, cannot be predicted at this time.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Future regulatory action concerning climate change, aircraft emissions and noise could have a significant effect on the airline industry. In order to address aircraft carbon dioxide emissions, the International Civil Aviation Organization ("ICAO"), a United Nations specialized agency, formally adopted a global, market-based emissions offset program known as CORSIA. This program established a goal for the aviation industry to achieve carbon-neutral growth in international aviation beginning in 2021. Any growth above the baseline would need to be addressed using eligible carbon offsets and/or lower carbon fuel. ICAO set the baseline for establishing airlines’ obligations under CORSIA for 2021 to 2023 based on 2019 travel, and in 2022 set a new, more stringent CORSIA baseline of 85% of 2019, which will apply from 2024 through 2035. Because CORSIA has not yet been implemented in the United States and could potentially be affected by political developments in participating countries or the results of the initial phases of the program, the impact of CORSIA cannot be predicted at this time. However, compliance with CORSIA is expected to increase operating costs for airlines subject to the program that operate internationally.

In addition to CORSIA, we may face a patchwork of regulation of aircraft emissions in the U.S. and abroad and could become subject to further taxes, charges or additional requirements to obtain permits or purchase allowances or emission credits for greenhouse gas emissions in various jurisdictions. For example, in 2023, the EU adopted updated legislation on the EU Emissions Trading System (“ETS”). That legislation continues in effect the so-called “stop-the-clock” provision whereby EU ETS does not apply to flights to or from locations outside the EEA, Switzerland or the UK until 2027. The legislation also provides for a review of the effectiveness of CORSIA in 2026 that could, if CORSIA is not deemed sufficiently effective, lead to the application of EU ETS to all flights departing the EU and EEA, which would increase costs. Also in 2023, the EU adopted legislation that established a SAF mandate on fuel supplied at EU airports. Beginning in 2025, the mandate required 2% of the jet fuel supplied in the EU to be SAF, and the percentage increases incrementally over time to 70% in 2050. This mandate has increased SAF prices in the EU for the airline industry. In 2024, the UK also adopted SAF mandate legislation, and other countries are also considering mandates.

Additional regulation could result in taxation, regulatory or permitting requirements from multiple jurisdictions for the same operations and significant costs for the airline industry, including Delta. In addition to direct costs, such regulation could result in increased fuel costs passed through from fuel suppliers affected by any such regulations. While the specific nature of future actions is hard to predict, new laws or regulations related to environmental matters adopted in the U.S. or other countries could impose significant additional costs on or otherwise adversely affect our operations. Certain airports have also adopted, and others could in the future adopt, greenhouse gas emission or climate-related goals and requirements that could impact our operations or require us to make changes or investments in our infrastructure. We are monitoring and evaluating the potential impact of such developments.

In addition to risks from potential changes to environmental regulation and policy, the transition to lower-carbon technologies, such as SAF, or changes in consumer preferences resulting from a negative perception of the environmental impact of air travel could materially adversely affect our business and financial results. For example, lower-carbon technologies such as SAF and direct air capture technologies are currently not available at scale and may take decades to develop, and the cost to transition to them could be prohibitively expensive without appropriate government policies and incentives in place.

Because of the global nature of our business, unfavorable economic or political conditions in the markets in which we operate or volatility in currency exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As a result of the discretionary nature of air travel, the airline industry has been cyclical and particularly sensitive to changes in economic conditions, as well as related consumer perceptions. Because we operate globally, our business is subject to economic and political conditions throughout the world. During periods of unfavorable or volatile economic conditions in the economy in the U.S. or abroad, demand for air travel can be significantly impacted as business and leisure travelers choose not to travel, seek alternative forms of transportation for short trips or conduct business using technological alternatives. If unfavorable economic conditions or negative consumer perceptions occur, particularly for an extended period, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. In addition, significant or volatile changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, and the imposition of exchange controls or other currency restrictions, may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

Our international operations are an important part of our route network. Political disruptions and instability around the world can negatively impact the demand and network availability for air travel. Additionally, any deterioration in global trade relations, such as new or increased tariffs or other trade barriers, could result in a decrease in the demand for international air travel.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This section of Form 10-K does not address certain items regarding the year ended December 31, 2023. Discussion and analysis of 2023 and year-to-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023 not included in this Form 10-K can be found in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes and other financial information as well as the material risk factors included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2025 Financial Overview

Our 2025 operating income was $5.8 billion, a decrease of $173 million compared to 2024, and operating income, adjusted (a non-GAAP financial measure) was $5.8 billion, a decrease of $212 million compared to 2024. The decreases in operating income and operating income, adjusted primarily result from nearly offsetting increases in both revenue and operating expenses, as described below. As a result of our strong performance in 2024 and 2025, we paid profit sharing of $1.4 billion in February 2025 to our employees and will pay another $1.3 billion in February 2026 in recognition of these achievements.

Revenue. Compared to 2024, our 2025 operating revenue increased $1.7 billion, or 3%, primarily due to a 3% increase in capacity driven by continued strength in demand for premium products, particularly from corporate customers, growth in loyalty travel awards, increased refinery sales to third parties and growth of our Delta TechOps third-party maintenance, repair and overhaul ("MRO") business. In addition, revenue increased year over year due to the Crowdstrike-caused outage in 2024, which led to a direct revenue impact of approximately $380 million related to approximately 7,000 flight cancellations over five days. Total revenue, adjusted (a non-GAAP financial measure) increased in 2025 by $1.3 billion, or 2.3%, compared to 2024. Adjustments were to exclude refinery sales to third parties.

Operating Expense. Total operating expense increased $1.9 billion, or 3%, compared to 2024, primarily due to higher employee costs from increased wages, costs associated with a 3% increase in capacity, and higher expenses related to refinery sales to third parties. These increases were partially offset by lower aircraft fuel costs. In addition, approximately $170 million of additional operating expenses were incurred in 2024 associated with the Crowdstrike-caused outage primarily due to customer expense reimbursements and crew-related costs. Total operating expense, adjusted (a non-GAAP financial measure) increased $1.5 billion, or 3%, compared to 2024. Current year adjustments were primarily to exclude expenses related to refinery sales to third parties.

Our total operating cost per available seat mile ("CASM") of 19.31 cents was comparable to 2024, primarily due to lower fuel expense and a 3% increase in capacity offset by higher employee costs. Non-fuel unit costs ("CASM-Ex", a non-GAAP financial measure), which excludes fuel, expenses related to refinery sales to third parties and other items, increased 2.4% to 13.86 cents compared to 2024, which was in line with our long-term target of low-single digit growth, on higher employee costs and investments in the customer experience.

Non-Operating Results. Total non-operating income was $363 million in 2025, compared to total non-operating expense of $1.3 billion in 2024, primarily due to mark-to-market gains on certain of our equity investments in 2025 compared to losses in 2024.

Cash Flow. During 2025, operating activities generated $8.3 billion, primarily from ticket sales and the sale of SkyMiles to our partners. Remuneration from American Express related to the SkyMiles program were $8.2 billion during 2025, an increase of approximately 11% compared to 2024. Investing activities resulted in net cash outflows of approximately $4.2 billion, primarily for capital expenditures. After adjusting for our strategic investment in WestJet and certain other items, these results generated $4.6 billion of free cash flow (a non-GAAP financial measure) in 2025.

Also, during 2025 we had financing cash outflows of $4.8 billion related to repayment of our debt and finance leases, including $2.9 billion for early repayments and the remainder for scheduled maturities. Our proceeds from long-term obligations primarily related to the issuance of $2.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes. Our cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and aggregate principal amount committed and available to be drawn under our revolving credit facilities ("liquidity") at December 31, 2025 was $7.4 billion.

The non-GAAP financial measures of operating income, adjusted, total revenue, adjusted, total operating expense, adjusted, CASM-Ex and free cash flow used above are defined and reconciled in "Supplemental Information" below.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Results of Operations

Results of Operations

Operating Revenue

Year Ended December 31,

Increase (Decrease)

% Increase (Decrease)

(in millions) (1)

Ticket - Main cabin

Ticket - Premium products

Loyalty travel awards

Travel-related services

Total passenger revenue

Cargo

Other

Total operating revenue

TRASM (cents)

Third-party refinery sales (2)

TRASM, adjusted (cents)

(1) Total amounts in the table above may not calculate exactly due to rounding.

(2) For additional information on adjustments to TRASM, see "Supplemental Information" below.

Operating Revenue

Our operating revenue increased $1.7 billion, or 3%, compared to 2024 due to an increase in demand for premium products, particularly from corporate customers, growth in loyalty travel awards, increased refinery sales to third parties and growth of our MRO business. Refinery sales and MRO are included in other revenue, discussed below. These increases were partially offset by a decline in main cabin revenue due to industry-wide supply exceeding demand for main cabin travel in the uncertain economic environment.

Passenger Revenue by Geographic Region

Increase (Decrease) vs. Year Ended December 31, 2024

(in millions)

Year Ended December 31, 2025

Passenger Revenue

RPMs (Traffic)

ASMs (Capacity)

Passenger Mile Yield

PRASM

Load Factor

Domestic

pts

Atlantic

Latin America

Pacific

pts

Total passenger revenue

pts

Domestic

Domestic passenger revenue in 2025 increased 1% on a 3% increase in capacity compared to 2024. The increase in domestic revenue primarily resulted from strong demand for premium products across our domestic network. We generated higher growth in premium products revenue compared to main cabin with the delivery of new aircraft that include more premium seat capacity and an increase in yield in premium products compared to main cabin, as we see more consumers choosing these premium offerings. Domestic passenger unit revenue ("PRASM") for 2025 decreased 2% compared to 2024 primarily due to weakness in main cabin demand.

International

International passenger revenue in 2025 increased 2% on a 4% increase in capacity compared to 2024, with growth primarily driven by improvement in the Atlantic and Pacific regions, while Latin America remained stable compared to 2024.

Revenue in the Atlantic region increased 2% on a 3% increase in capacity as we introduced new routes and destinations to Europe and Africa in 2025. Revenue growth in the Atlantic was led by demand for our premium product offerings.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Results of Operations

Revenue in the Latin America region remained consistent with 2024 on a slight increase in capacity. We experienced slight revenue growth in the Caribbean and South America compared to 2024. In South America, we continued to build on the strength of our joint venture with LATAM through greater network connectivity and a more streamlined airport experience.

Revenue in the Pacific region increased 10% on a 9% increase in capacity compared to 2024 on strong demand to Japan and South Korea, particularly with our premium product offerings. We continued to invest in our joint venture partnership with Korean Air through the introduction of a new route from Salt Lake City to Seoul-Incheon.

Other Revenue

Year Ended December 31,

Increase (Decrease)

% Increase (Decrease)

(in millions)

Refinery

Loyalty program

Ancillary businesses

Miscellaneous

Total other revenue

Refinery. This represents refinery sales of non-jet fuel products to third parties. These sales increased $435 million compared to 2024. See "Refinery Segment" below for additional details on the refinery's operations, including third party refinery sales recorded in other revenue, during each period.

Loyalty Program. This relates to revenues from brand usage by third parties and other performance obligations embedded in miles sold, as well as redemption of miles for non-air travel and other awards. These revenues are mainly driven by customer spend on American Express cards and new cardholder acquisitions, which both grew double-digit on a percentage basis compared to 2024.

Ancillary Businesses. This includes revenues from our MRO business and our vacation package operations. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the MRO business generated revenues of $822 million and $658 million, respectively.

Miscellaneous. This is primarily composed of revenues related to lounge access, including access provided to certain American Express cardholders, travel products (e.g., car rentals or hotels booked with our commercial partners), codeshare agreements and international joint venture partnership contractual settlements. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by growth in travel products, codeshare and lounge access.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Results of Operations

Operating Expense

Year Ended December 31,

Increase (Decrease)

% Increase (Decrease)

(in millions)

Salaries and related costs

Aircraft fuel and related taxes

Ancillary businesses and refinery

Contracted services

Landing fees and other rents

Regional carrier expense

Passenger commissions and other selling expenses

Depreciation and amortization

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

Passenger service

Profit sharing

Aircraft rent

Other

Total operating expense

Salaries and Related Costs. The increase in salaries and related costs primarily resulted from the implementation of base pay increases for eligible employees of 5% effective June 1, 2024 and 4% effective June 1, 2025, and 4% for Delta pilots on January 1, 2025.

Aircraft Fuel and Related Taxes. Fuel expense decreased $747 million compared to 2024 primarily due to a 9% decrease in the market price of jet fuel partially offset by a 4% increase in consumption on a 3% increase in capacity.

Fuel expense and average price per gallon

Average Price Per Gallon

Year Ended December 31,

Increase (Decrease)

Year Ended December 31,

Increase (Decrease)

(in millions, except per gallon data)

Fuel purchase cost (1)

Fuel hedge impact

Refinery segment impact

Total fuel expense

(1) Market price for jet fuel at airport locations, including related taxes and transportation costs.

Ancillary Businesses and Refinery. Ancillary businesses and refinery includes expenses associated with refinery sales to third parties, MRO and our vacation package operations. The increase in these expenses was primarily related to higher refinery sales to third parties, which increased $435 million compared to 2024. See "Refinery Segment" below for additional details on the refinery's operations, including third party refinery sales. In addition, the expenses related to our MRO business increased $141 million, to $751 million during 2025, due to an approximately 25% growth in that business.

Contracted Services. The increase in contracted services resulted from inflationary rate increases in our operations, volume increases on a 3% increase in capacity and additional contract labor costs associated with the expansion of our Sky Club network, particularly our Delta One lounges.

Landing Fees and Other Rents. The increase in landing fees and other rents resulted from higher rates charged by airports following extensive redevelopment projects at numerous facilities and more flights compared to 2024.

Regional Carrier Expense. The increase in regional carrier expense primarily resulted from higher volume of regional flights and annual rate increases.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Results of Operations

Aircraft Maintenance Materials and Outside Repairs. The decrease in aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs expense primarily resulted from the timing of engine maintenance activities, renegotiated engine maintenance agreements and a gain from the sale of our MRO JV located in Queretaro, Mexico. These decreases were partially offset by a higher volume of airframe checks in 2025.

Other . The decrease in other operating expense primarily resulted from gains from several sale-leaseback transactions and lower irregular operations expense in 2025.

Non-Operating Results

Year Ended December 31,

Favorable (Unfavorable)

(in millions)

Interest expense, net

Gain/(loss) on investments, net

Loss on extinguishment of debt

Miscellaneous, net

Total non-operating income/(expense), net

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net includes interest expense and interest income. This decreased compared to the prior year primarily due to reduced interest expense resulting from our debt reduction initiatives. During 2024, we made payments of $4.0 billion related to our debt and finance lease obligations. We continued to prioritize strengthening the balance sheet and reducing debt with $4.8 billion of payments on debt and finance lease obligations during 2025. During the June 2025 quarter, we issued $2.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes and used a portion of the proceeds to repay the Payroll Support Program ("PSP") loan due 2030 ("PSP1 Loan"). The new unsecured notes carry a lower interest rate than the repaid PSP1 Loan. We continue to seek opportunities to pre-pay our debt, in addition to periodic amortization and scheduled maturities, and refinance higher cost debt.

Gain/(loss) on investments, net. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our equity investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Loss on extinguishment of debt. This reflects the losses incurred in the early repayment of debt referenced above.

Miscellaneous, net. Miscellaneous, net primarily includes employee benefit plans net periodic cost, charitable contributions, our share of our equity method investments' results, dividend income from our equity investments and foreign exchange gains/(losses). The decrease compared to 2024 primarily relates to lower employee benefit plan costs and an increase in dividend income. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our equity investments.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 19% and 26% for 2025 and 2024, respectively. Our effective tax rate is impacted by net pre-tax income or loss recognized on our equity investments, which are considered capital assets for tax purposes, because realized capital losses can only be deducted against realized capital gains. As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $2.4 billion of U.S. federal pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards which we are expecting to utilize during 2026. These net operating loss carryforwards were primarily generated in 2020 and do not expire.

In certain periods, we may have adjustments to our net deferred tax liabilities as a result of changes in prior year estimates, mark-to-market adjustments on our equity investments and tax laws enacted during the period, which will impact the effective tax rate for that period. Excluding the mark-to-market results, we project our annual effective tax rate to be between 23% and 25% for 2026.

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law. The legislation did not have a material impact on our income tax expense or effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2025.

For more information about our income taxes, see Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Refinery Segment

Refinery Segment

The refinery operated by our wholly owned subsidiary, Monroe, primarily produces gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Monroe has agreements in place to exchange or sell the non-jet fuel products the refinery produces with third parties to obtain jet fuel for consumption in our airline operations. The refinery provides approximately 200,000 barrels per day, or approximately 75% of our consumption, for use in our airline operations through the production of jet fuel and through exchanges and sales of gasoline and diesel fuel produced by the refinery.

The refinery regularly optimizes its sales and exchange activities of non-jet fuel products based on market conditions and the availability of counterparties for exchanges. The volume of exchange transactions has declined in recent years due to changes in the counterparties used to supply jet fuel and our related buy/sell agreements. As of December 31, 2025, we do not plan to use exchange agreements to procure significant volumes of fuel. The decline in exchange transaction volume has driven an increase in third-party refinery sales. Refinery revenues decreased in 2025, primarily driven by lower pricing of refined products. The refinery's operating income increased in 2025 compared to 2024 mainly due to higher industry refining margins.

Refinery segment financial information

Year Ended December 31,

% Increase (Decrease) (1)

(in millions, except per gallon data)

Exchanged products

Sales of refined products

Sales to airline segment

Third-party sales

Operating revenue

Operating income

Refinery segment impact on average price per fuel gallon

(1) Certain variances are labeled as not meaningful ("NM") throughout management's discussion and analysis.

A refinery is subject to annual EPA requirements to blend renewable fuels into the gasoline and on-road diesel fuel it produces. A refinery may meet its obligation by blending the necessary volumes of renewable fuels, by purchasing Renewable Identification Numbers ("RINs") in the open market, or through a combination of blending and purchasing RINs. Because Monroe is able to blend only a small amount of renewable fuels, it must purchase the majority of its RINs requirement in the secondary market. Monroe incurred $312 million in RINs compliance costs during 2025, compared to $203 million incurred in 2024.

For more information regarding the refinery's results, see Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Operating Statistics

Operating Statistics

Year Ended December 31,

Consolidated (1)

Revenue passenger miles (in millions)

Available seat miles (in millions)

Passenger mile yield

Passenger revenue per available seat mile ("PRASM")

Total revenue per available seat mile ("TRASM")

TRASM, adjusted (2)

Cost per available seat mile ("CASM")

CASM-Ex (2)

Passenger load factor

Fuel gallons consumed (in millions)

Average price per fuel gallon (3)

Average price per fuel gallon, adjusted (2)(3)

Approximate full-time equivalent employees, end of period

(1) Includes the operations of our regional carriers under capacity purchase agreements. Full-time equivalent employees exclude employees of regional carriers that we do not own.

(2) Non-GAAP financial measures are defined and reconciled to TRASM, CASM and average fuel price per gallon, respectively, in "Supplemental Information" below.

(3) Includes the impact of refinery segment results and fuel hedge activity.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Financial Condition and Liquidity

Financial Condition and Liquidity

As of December 31, 2025, we had $7.4 billion in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and aggregate principal amount committed and available to be drawn under our revolving credit facilities ("liquidity"). We expect to meet our liquidity needs for the next twelve months with cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash equivalents and cash flows from operations. We expect to meet our long-term liquidity needs with cash flows from operations and financing arrangements.

Sources and Uses of Liquidity

Operating Activities

Operating activities in 2025 provided $8.3 billion of cash flow compared to $8.0 billion in 2024. We expect to continue generating cash flows from operations during 2026.

Our operating cash flow is impacted by the following factors:

Seasonality of Advance Ticket Sales . We sell tickets for air travel in advance of the customer's travel date. When we receive a cash payment at the time of sale, we record the cash received on advance sales as deferred revenue in air traffic liability. The air traffic liability typically increases during the winter and spring months as advanced ticket sales grow prior to the summer peak travel season and decreases during the summer and fall months.

Sale of Miles to Participating Companies. Customers earn miles based on their spending with participating companies such as credit card, retail, ridesharing, car rental and hotel companies with which we have marketing agreements to sell miles. Payments are typically due to us monthly based on the volume of miles sold during the period. Our most significant contract to sell miles relates to our co-brand credit card relationship with American Express. Remuneration from American Express was $8.2 billion during 2025, an increase of 11% compared to the prior year. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the cash sales from marketing agreements.

Fuel . Fuel expense represented approximately 17% of our total operating expense during 2025. The market price for jet fuel is volatile, which can impact the comparability of our periodic cash flows from operations. The average fuel price per gallon decreased in 2025. Fuel prices have historically been volatile due to many factors, including geopolitical events. As capacity increased throughout the year, fuel consumption was higher in 2025 than 2024. We expect fuel consumption to increase in 2026 generally aligned with capacity.

Employee Benefit Obligations. We sponsor defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans for eligible employees and retirees. Our funding obligations for defined benefit plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") and any additional applicable legislation. We had minimum funding requirements of $70 million during 2025 and estimate that there will be approximately $5 million of minimum funding requirements under these plans in 2026. Payments to defined contribution plans were approximately $1.4 billion during the year ended December 31, 2025.

In addition, we have employee benefit obligations relating primarily to projected future benefit payments from our unfunded postretirement and postemployment plans. Benefit payments for these obligations are expected to be approximately $500 million on an annual basis over the next five years. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our employee benefit obligations.

Profit Sharing. Our broad-based employee profit sharing program provides that, for each year in which we have an annual pre-tax profit, as defined by the terms of the program, we will pay a specified portion of that profit to employees. In determining the amount of profit sharing, the program defines profit as pre-tax profit adjusted for profit sharing and certain other items.

We pay profit sharing annually in February. We paid $1.4 billion in 2025 to our employees in recognition of their contributions toward meeting our financial goals. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recorded $1.3 billion in profit sharing expense based on 2025 pre-tax profit, which we will pay to employees in February 2026.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Financial Condition and Liquidity

Contract Carrier Obligations. We have certain estimated minimum fixed obligations under capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers. These minimum amounts are based on the required minimum levels of flying by the regional carriers under the respective agreements and assumptions regarding the costs associated with such minimum levels of flying. As of December 31, 2025 the total of these minimum amounts was $6.0 billion, decreasing on an annual basis from approximately $1.8 billion in 2026 to $300 million in 2030. See Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our contract carrier obligations.

Operating Lease Obligations. As described further in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as of December 31, 2025 we had a total of $7.8 billion of minimum operating lease obligations. These minimum lease payments decrease on an annual basis from approximately $1.0 billion in 2026 to $500 million in 2030.

Other Obligations. We have certain purchase obligations under which we are required to make minimum payments for goods and services, including, but not limited to, aviation-related, maintenance, technology, sponsorships, marketing, insurance and other third-party services and products. As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $11.2 billion of such obligations, decreasing on an annual basis from approximately $1.4 billion in 2026 to $800 million in 2030.

Income Taxes. During 2025, we utilized substantially all of our remaining pre-2018 net operating loss carryforwards and, due to the limitations on post-2017 net operating losses, began making cash federal income tax payments. We expect income tax cash payments to increase in 2026 based on our projected financial results. As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $2.4 billion of U.S. federal pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards which we are expecting to utilize during 2026. These net operating loss carryforwards were primarily generated in 2020 and do not expire.

Investing Activities

Capital Expenditures. Our capital expenditures (i.e., property and equipment additions in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ("cash flows statement")) were $4.5 billion and $5.1 billion in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Our capital expenditures are primarily related to the purchases of aircraft, fleet modifications, airport construction projects and technology enhancements.

We have committed to future aircraft purchases and have obtained, but are under no obligation to use, long-term financing commitments for a substantial portion of the purchase price of the aircraft. Our expected 2026 capital spend of approximately $5.5 billion, which may vary depending on financing decisions, will be primarily for aircraft, including deliveries and advance deposit payments, as well as fleet modifications and technology enhancements.

On January 12, 2026, we entered into a definitive agreement with The Boeing Company to acquire 30 Boeing 787-10 aircraft, with an option to purchase up to an additional 30 of the same aircraft. The B-787-10 aircraft will include GEnx engines manufactured by General Electric. Deliveries of the B-787-10 aircraft will begin in 2031.

On January 27, 2026, we entered into a definitive agreement with Airbus S.A.S. to purchase 16 Airbus A330-900 aircraft and 15 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with an option to purchase up to an additional 20 widebody aircraft. The A330-900 aircraft will be powered by the Trent 7000 engine and the A350-900 aircraft will utilize the Trent XWB-84 EP engine, both manufactured by Rolls-Royce. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin in 2029.

See Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our aircraft purchase commitments, which totaled approximately $15.4 billion as of December 31, 2025.

Strategic Investment in WestJet. In October 2025, we acquired a 12.7% equity stake in WestJet for $276 million. As part of the transaction, we also assumed a commensurate portion of a shareholder loan receivable from the previous owner.

Other . In 2025, other, net investing activities primarily included proceeds from several sale-leaseback transactions, the sale of a portion of our equity investment in Unifi Aviation and the sale of our engine maintenance, repair and overhaul joint venture with Aeroméxico located in Queretaro, Mexico. In 2024, other, net investing activities primarily included proceeds from the sale of our equity ownership in Clear Secure, Inc.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Financial Condition and Liquidity

Financing Activities

Debt and Finance Leases. In 2025, we had cash outflows of approximately $4.8 billion related to repayments of our debt and finance leases. We continue to seek opportunities to pre-pay our debt, in addition to periodic amortization payments and scheduled maturities, and refinance higher cost debt.

In June 2025, we issued $2.0 billion in aggregate principal amounts of unsecured notes, consisting of $1.0 billion of 4.95% Notes due 2028 and $1.0 billion of 5.25% Notes due 2030 (collectively, the "Notes"). The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes were used to repay the Payroll Support Program ("PSP") loan due 2030 and for general corporate purposes.

In September 2025, we and our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary SkyMiles IP Ltd. entered into an amendment to the SkyMiles Term Loan credit and guaranty agreement (the "SkyMiles Credit Facility"). This amendment, among other things, (i) refinanced the existing term loans with the proceeds of replacement term loans bearing interest at a variable rate equal to an adjusted term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), plus a reduced margin of 1.50% per annum, payable quarterly; (ii) extended the scheduled maturity from October 2027 to October 2028; (iii) reduced the principal amortization payments from 20% to 1% per year, payable quarterly; and (iv) added a prepayment premium of 1.00% payable in connection with a Repricing Event (as defined in the amended SkyMiles Credit Facility) occurring within six months following September 30, 2025.

In January 2026, we entered into a $1.3 billion term loan issued by a group of lenders due December 2026. The proceeds of the term loan were used to repay $957 million of the PSP loans due 2031 and for general corporate purposes.

In February 2025, Moody's credit rating agency upgraded its rating for Delta to Baa2, an investment grade rating. In the September 2025 quarter, Fitch Ratings upgraded its outlook for Delta to Positive from Stable. In January 2026, S&P Global upgraded its outlook for Delta to Positive from Stable.

The principal amount of our debt and finance leases was $14.1 billion at December 31, 2025.

Future Debt Obligations. As described further in Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as of December 31, 2025, scheduled maturities of our debt in 2026 are $1.4 billion, with maturities from 2027 through 2030 ranging between $600 million and $3.5 billion annually. As of December 31, 2025, scheduled maturities after 2030 aggregate to $4.8 billion. In addition, we are obligated to make periodic interest payments at fixed and variable rates, depending on the terms of the applicable debt agreements. Based on applicable interest rates and scheduled debt maturities as of December 31, 2025, these interest obligations total approximately $2.4 billion, decreasing on an annual basis from approximately $500 million in 2026 to $200 million in 2030.

Finance Lease Obligations. As described further in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as of December 31, 2025 we had a total of $870 million of minimum finance lease obligations. These minimum lease payments are generally decreasing on an annual basis from approximately $300 million in 2026 to $100 million in 2030.

Capital Returns to Shareholders. During 2025, we continued our quarterly dividend program with $0.15 per share payments in the March 2025 and June 2025 quarters and $0.1875 per share payments in the September 2025 and December 2025 quarters. Total dividend payments during the year ended December 31, 2025 were $440 million.

On February 4, 2026, the Board of Directors approved and we will pay a quarterly dividend of $0.1875 per share on March 19, 2026 to shareholders of record as of February 26, 2026.

Undrawn Lines of Credit. As of December 31, 2025 we had approximately $3.1 billion undrawn and available under our revolving credit facilities.

Covenants. We were in compliance with the covenants in our debt agreements at December 31, 2025. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the covenants in our debt agreements.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our critical accounting estimates are those estimates made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP") that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition. Accordingly, the actual results may differ materially from these estimates. For a discussion of our significant accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, unless otherwise noted below.

Loyalty Program

Our SkyMiles loyalty program generates customer loyalty by rewarding customers with incentives to travel on Delta. This program allows customers to earn miles by flying on Delta, Delta Connection carriers and other airlines that participate in the loyalty program. When traveling, customers earn miles primarily based on the passenger's loyalty program status, fare class and ticket price. Customers can also earn miles through participating companies. Miles are redeemable by customers for air travel on Delta and other participating airlines, access to Delta Sky Clubs, and other program awards. To facilitate transactions with participating companies, we sell miles to non-airline businesses and other airlines.

The loyalty program includes two types of transactions that are considered revenue arrangements with multiple performance obligations (1) passenger ticket sales earning miles and (2) sale of miles to participating companies.

Passenger Ticket Sales Earning Miles. Passenger ticket sales earning miles provide customers with (1) miles earned and (2) air transportation, which are each considered performance obligations. We value each performance obligation on a standalone basis. To value the miles earned, we consider the quantitative value a passenger receives by redeeming miles for a ticket rather than paying cash, which is referred to as equivalent ticket value ("ETV"). Our estimate of ETV is adjusted for miles that are not likely to be redeemed ("mileage breakage"). We use statistical models to estimate mileage breakage based on historical redemption patterns. A change in assumptions regarding the redemption activity for miles or the estimated fair value of miles expected to be redeemed could have a material impact on our revenue in the year in which the change occurs and in future years. We recognize mileage breakage proportionally during the period in which the remaining miles are actually redeemed.

At December 31, 2025, the aggregate deferred revenue balance associated with the SkyMiles program was $9.3 billion. A hypothetical 10% change in the number of outstanding miles estimated to be redeemed would result in an impact of less than 1% of total operating revenue recognized for the year ended December 31, 2025.

We defer revenue for the miles when earned and recognize loyalty travel awards in passenger revenue as the miles are redeemed and transportation is provided. We record the air transportation portion of the passenger ticket sales in air traffic liability and recognize passenger revenue when we provide transportation or if the ticket goes unused. A hypothetical 10% increase in our estimate of the ETV of a mile would have decreased total operating revenue by less than 1% for the year ended December 31, 2025, as a result of an increase in the amount of revenue deferred associated with the miles earned.

Sale of Miles to Participating Companies. Customers earn miles based on their spending with participating companies, such as credit card, car rental, ridesharing, retail, and hotel companies, with which we have marketing agreements to sell miles. Our contracts to sell miles under these marketing agreements have multiple performance obligations. Payments are typically due to us monthly based on the volume of miles sold during the period, and the initial terms of our marketing contracts are from one to thirteen years. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, total cash sales from marketing agreements related to our loyalty program were $8.0 billion, $7.4 billion and $6.9 billion, respectively, which are allocated to travel and other performance obligations, as discussed below.

Our agreements with American Express provide for joint marketing, grant certain benefits to Delta-American Express co-branded credit card holders ("cardholders") and American Express Membership Rewards program participants, and allow American Express to market its services or products using our customer database. Cardholders earn miles for making purchases using co-branded cards, and certain cardholders may also receive baggage fee waivers, lounge access, priority boarding and other benefits while traveling on Delta. Additionally, participants in the American Express Membership Rewards program may exchange their points for miles under the loyalty program. We sell miles to American Express which are then provided to their customers under the co-brand credit card program and the Membership Rewards program.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates

We account for marketing agreements, including those with American Express, by allocating the consideration to the individual products and services delivered. We allocate the value based on the relative selling prices of those products and services, which generally consist of award travel, baggage fee waivers, lounge access, priority boarding and the use of our brand. We determine our best estimate of the selling prices by using a discounted cash flow analysis using multiple inputs and assumptions, including (1) the expected number of miles awarded and number of miles redeemed, (2) ETV for the award travel obligation adjusted for mileage breakage, (3) published rates on our website for baggage fees, lounge access and priority boarding while traveling on Delta, (4) brand value (using estimated royalties generated from the use of our brand) and (5) volume discounts provided to certain partners.

We defer the amount allocated to award travel as part of loyalty program deferred revenue and recognize loyalty travel awards in passenger revenue as the miles are redeemed and transportation is provided. Revenue allocated to services performed in conjunction with a passenger’s flight, such as baggage fee waivers, is recognized as travel-related services in passenger revenue when the related service is performed. Revenue allocated to lounge access is recognized as miscellaneous in other revenue as access is provided. Revenue allocated to the remaining performance obligations, primarily brand value, is recorded as loyalty program in other revenue as miles are delivered.

The timing of mile redemptions can vary widely; however, the majority of new miles have historically been redeemed within two years of being earned. The loyalty program deferred revenue classified as a current liability represents our estimate of revenue expected to be recognized in the next twelve months based on projected redemptions, while the balance classified as a noncurrent liability represents our estimate of revenue expected to be recognized beyond twelve months.

For additional information on our significant accounting policies related to the loyalty program, see Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

We apply a fair value-based impairment test to the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis (as of October 1) and, if certain events or circumstances indicate that an impairment loss may have been incurred, on an interim basis. We assess the value of our goodwill and indefinite-lived assets under either a qualitative or quantitative approach. Under a qualitative approach, we consider various market factors, including certain of the key assumptions listed below. We analyze these factors to determine if events and circumstances have affected the fair value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the asset may be impaired, we use the quantitative approach to assess the asset's fair value and the amount of the impairment. Under a quantitative approach, we calculate the fair value of the asset incorporating the key assumptions listed below into our calculation.

When we evaluate goodwill for impairment using a quantitative approach, we estimate the fair value of the reporting unit by considering both comparable public company multiples (a market approach) and projected discounted future cash flows (an income approach). When we perform a quantitative impairment assessment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets, fair value is estimated based on (1) recent market transactions, where available, (2) the royalty method for the Delta tradename (which assumes hypothetical royalties generated from using our tradename) or (3) projected discounted future cash flows (an income approach).

Key Assumptions. The key assumptions in our impairment tests include (1) forecasted revenues, expenses and cash flows, (2) current discount rates, (3) observable market transactions and (4) anticipated changes to the regulatory environment (e.g., changes in slot access and/or availability, additional Open Skies agreements or changes to antitrust approvals). These assumptions are consistent with those that hypothetical market participants would use. Because we are required to make estimates and assumptions when evaluating goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, actual transaction amounts may differ materially from these estimates. In addition, when performing a qualitative valuation, we consider the amount by which the intangible assets' fair values exceeded their respective carrying values in the most recent fair value measurements calculated using a quantitative approach.

Changes in certain events and circumstances could result in impairment or a change from indefinite-lived to definite-lived. Factors which could cause impairment include, but are not limited to (1) negative trends in our market capitalization, (2) reduced profitability resulting from lower passenger mile yields or higher input costs, (3) lower passenger demand as a result of weakened U.S. and global economies or other factors, (4) prolonged interruption to our operations, (5) changes to the regulatory environment, (6) operational or performance changes by other airlines and (7) strategic changes to our operations leading to diminished utilization of the intangible assets.

Goodwill . Our goodwill balance, which is related to the airline segment, was $9.8 billion at December 31, 2025.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates

Identifiable Intangible Assets. Our identifiable intangible assets, which are related to the airline segment, had a net carrying amount of $6.0 billion at December 31, 2025, of which $5.9 billion related to indefinite-lived intangible assets. Indefinite-lived assets are not amortized and consist of routes, slots, the Delta tradename and assets related to alliances and collaborative arrangements. Definite-lived assets consist primarily of marketing and maintenance service agreements.

During the December 2025 quarter, we performed qualitative assessments of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including applicable factors noted above, and determined that there was no indication that the assets were impaired. Our qualitative assessments include analyses and weighting of all relevant factors that impact the fair value of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. We previously performed quantitative assessments in the December 2023 quarter, noting no impairment of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets.

For additional information on our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets' significant accounting policies and the related fair values and book values, see Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans for eligible employees and retirees. These plans are generally closed to new entrants and frozen for future benefit accruals. As of December 31, 2025, the funded status for these plans recorded on our balance sheets was $2.3 billion, which is the net of our benefit obligation of $15.0 billion and plan assets of $17.3 billion. We had minimum funding requirements of $70 million during 2025 and estimate that there will be approximately $5 million of minimum funding requirements under these plans in 2026. The most critical assumptions impacting our defined benefit pension plan obligations, plan assets and net periodic cost/(benefit) are the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and life expectancy of plan participants.

Discount Rate. We determine our discount rate on our measurement date primarily by reference to annualized rates earned on high-quality fixed income investments and yield-to-maturity analyses specific to our estimated future benefit payments for each plan. We used a weighted average discount rate to value the obligations of 5.50% and 5.71% at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return. Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based primarily on plan-specific investment studies using historical market return and volatility data. Modest excess return expectations versus some public market indices are incorporated into the return projections based on the actively managed structure of the investment programs and their records of achieving such returns historically. We also expect to receive a premium for investing in less liquid private markets. We review our rate of return on plan assets assumptions annually.

The investment strategy for our defined benefit pension plan assets is to earn a long-term return that meets or exceeds our annualized return target while taking an acceptable level of risk and maintaining sufficient liquidity to pay current benefits and other cash obligations of the plan. This is achieved by investing in a globally diversified mix of public and private equity, fixed income, real assets, hedge funds and other assets and instruments. The expected long-term rate of return on our defined benefit pension plan assets is 6.96%.

The impact of a 0.50% change in weighted average discount rate and 1.00% change in expected long-term rate of return on assets are shown in the table below:

Benefit plan effects of change in assumptions used

Change in Assumption

Effect on 2026

Pension Cost/(Benefit)

Effect on Accrued Pension Liability at December 31, 2025

0.50% decrease in weighted average discount rate

million

million

0.50% increase in weighted average discount rate

million

million

1.00% decrease in expected long-term rate of return on assets

million

1.00% increase in expected long-term rate of return on assets

million

Life Expectancy . Changes in life expectancy may significantly impact our benefit obligations and future net periodic cost. Each year we review information published by the Society of Actuaries and other publicly available information to develop our best estimate of life expectancy for purposes of measuring pension and other postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates

Funding. Our funding obligations for qualified defined benefit plans are governed by ERISA and any additional applicable legislation. Under current legislation, any required funding would be amortized over a rolling 15-year period and calculated using a discount rate of no less than 4.75% through 2030.

While recent legislation makes our funding obligations for these plans more predictable, factors outside our control continue to have an impact on the funding requirements. Estimates of future funding requirements are based on various assumptions and can vary materially from actual funding requirements. Assumptions include, among other things, the actual and projected market performance of assets, statutory requirements and demographic data for participants.

Investments Valued at Net Asset Value ("NAV") Per Share. On an annual basis we assess the potential for adjustments to the fair value of all investments. These investments valued using NAV as a practical expedient are typically valued on a monthly or quarterly basis by third-party administrators, valuation agents or fund managers with an annual audit performed by an independent third-party, but certain of these investments have a lag in the availability of data. We solicit valuation updates from the investment fund managers and use their information and corroborating data from public markets to determine any needed fair value adjustments.

For additional information on our significant accounting policies related to defined benefit pension plans, see Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recent Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Standards

Income Taxes. In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures." This standard enhances disclosures related to income taxes, including the rate reconciliation and information on income taxes paid. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2025. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for our income tax disclosures.

Standards Effective in Future Years

Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40)." This standard requires disclosure of specific information about costs and expenses and becomes effective January 1, 2027. We are assessing the impact of this ASU and, upon adoption, may be required to include certain additional disclosures in the footnotes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Internal Use Software. In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-06, "Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software." This standard is intended to improve the operability and application of guidance related to capitalized software development costs and becomes effective January 1, 2028. We are assessing the potential impact this ASU may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption.

Interim Reporting. In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-11, "Interim Reporting (Topic 270)." This standard clarifies interim reporting guidance, develops a list of disclosures required by other Topics and intends to enhance consistency in interim reporting across entities. This standard becomes effective January 1, 2028 with early adoption permitted. We do not expect this standard to have a material impact on our interim reporting.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Supplemental Information

Supplemental Information

We sometimes use information ("non-GAAP financial measures") that is derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements, but that is not presented in accordance with GAAP. Under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules, non-GAAP financial measures may be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP results.

Included below are reconciliations of non-GAAP measures used within this Form 10-K to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations below may not calculate exactly due to rounding. These reconciliations include certain adjustments to GAAP measures to provide comparability between the reported periods, if applicable, as indicated below:

• MTM adjustments and settlements on hedges. Mark-to-market ("MTM") adjustments are defined as fair value changes recorded in periods other than the settlement period. Such fair value changes are not necessarily indicative of the actual settlement value of the underlying hedge in the contract settlement period, and therefore we remove this impact to allow investors to better understand and analyze our core performance. Settlements represent cash received or paid on hedge contracts settled during the applicable period.

• Third-party refinery sales. Refinery sales to third parties, and related expenses, are not related to our airline segment. Excluding these sales therefore provides a more meaningful comparison of our airline operations to the rest of the airline industry.

• Aircraft fuel and related taxes. The volatility in fuel prices impacts the comparability of year-over-year financial performance. The adjustment for aircraft fuel and related taxes allows investors to better understand and analyze our non-fuel costs and year-over-year financial performance.

• Profit sharing. We adjust for profit sharing because this adjustment allows investors to better understand and analyze our recurring cost performance and provides a more meaningful comparison of our core operating costs to the airline industry.

Operating income, adjusted reconciliation

Year Ended December 31,

(in millions)

Operating income

Adjusted for:

MTM adjustments and settlements on hedges

Operating income, adjusted

Total revenue, adjusted reconciliation

Year Ended December 31,

(in millions)

Total revenue

Adjusted for:

Third-party refinery sales

Total revenue, adjusted

Operating expense, adjusted reconciliation

Year Ended December 31,

(in millions)

Operating expense

Adjusted for:

Third-party refinery sales

MTM adjustments and settlements on hedges

Operating expense, adjusted

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Supplemental Information

Fuel expense, adjusted and Average fuel price per gallon, adjusted reconciliations

Average Price Per Gallon

Year Ended December 31,

Year Ended December 31,

(in millions, except per gallon data)

Total fuel expense

Adjusted for:

MTM adjustments and settlements on hedges

Total fuel expense, adjusted

TRASM, adjusted reconciliation

Year Ended December 31,

(in cents)

TRASM

Adjusted for:

Third-party refinery sales

TRASM, adjusted

CASM-Ex reconciliation

Year Ended December 31,

(in cents)

CASM

Adjusted for:

Aircraft fuel and related taxes

Third-party refinery sales

Profit sharing

CASM-Ex

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Supplemental Information

Free Cash Flow

The following table shows a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities (a GAAP measure) to free cash flow (a non-GAAP financial measure). We present free cash flow because management believes this metric is helpful to investors to evaluate the company's ability to generate cash that is available for use for debt service or general corporate initiatives. Adjustments include:

• Pension plan contributions. Cash flows related to pension funding are included in our GAAP operating activities. We adjust to exclude these contributions to allow investors to understand the cash flows related to our core operations.

• Net cash flows related to certain airport construction projects and other. Cash flows related to certain airport construction projects are included in our GAAP operating activities and capital expenditures. We have adjusted for these items, which were primarily funded by cash restricted for airport construction, to provide investors a better understanding of the company's free cash flow and capital expenditures that are core to our operations.

• Strategic investments and related. Certain cash flows related to our investments in and related transactions with other airlines and associated companies are included in our GAAP investing activities. We adjust for this activity because it provides a more meaningful comparison to our airline industry peers.

Free cash flow reconciliation

Year Ended December 31,

(in millions)

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Adjusted for:

Pension plan contributions

Net cash flows related to certain airport construction projects and other

Strategic investments and related

Free cash flow

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7. MD&A - Glossary of Defined Terms

Glossary of Defined Terms

ASM - Available Seat Mile. A measure of capacity. ASMs equal the total number of seats available for transporting passengers during a reporting period multiplied by the total number of miles flown during that period.

CASM - (Total Operating) Cost per Available Seat Mile. The amount of operating cost incurred per ASM during a reporting period. CASM is also referred to as "unit cost."

CASM-Ex - The amount of operating cost incurred per ASM during a reporting period, adjusted for the items shown above in "Supplemental Information."

Free Cash Flow - A measure of net cash from operating and investing activities, adjusted for items shown above in "Supplemental Information." Represents the cash available for use for debt service or general corporate initiatives.

Liquidity - Includes our cash and cash-like assets, including cash equivalents and short-term investments, as well as aggregate principal amount committed and available to be drawn under our revolving credit facilities.

Load Factor - A measure of utilized available seating capacity calculated by dividing RPMs by ASMs for a reporting period.

Passenger Mile Yield or Yield - The amount of passenger revenue earned per RPM during a reporting period.

PRASM - Passenger Revenue per ASM. The amount of passenger revenue earned per ASM during a reporting period. PRASM is also referred to as "passenger unit revenue."

RPM - Revenue Passenger Mile. One revenue-paying passenger transported one mile is one RPM. RPMs equal the number of revenue passengers during a reporting period multiplied by the number of miles flown by those passengers during that period. RPMs are also referred to as "traffic."

TRASM - Total Revenue per ASM. The amount of total revenue earned per ASM during a reporting period.

TRASM, adjusted - The amount of total revenue earned per ASM during a reporting period, adjusted for the item shown above in "Supplemental Information."

Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 2025 Form 10-K

Item 7A. Market Risk