Delta beats Q1, keeps 2026 plan despite fuel spike and TSA headwinds

Delta Air Lines beat Q1 expectations with about $14.2B in revenue and adjusted EPS of $0.64 as premium-demand helped offset a roughly 8% rise in fuel expenses to $2.591B. The company kept full-year guidance intact, guiding Q2 revenue to the low-teens growth with a 6%-8% operating margin and adjusted EPS of $1.00-$1.50, aided by a refinery-owned fuel advantage and higher premium/loyalty revenue. Delta also noted TSA funding headwinds and capacity actions—like trimming flights and raising prices—to protect margins, while highlighting strong premium revenue growth (~14%) and AmEx remuneration (>$2B).