Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are scaling back their summer flight schedules as both carriers adjust to evolving market conditions.
Delta recently lowered its first-quarter financial guidance and confirmed it will reduce summer capacity to match demand better. Speaking at a JP Morgan investor conference on Tuesday, Delta President Glen Hauenstein acknowledged that the airline initially planned to maximize flights but has since reconsidered.
“We had a bias to fly whatever we could as we head into summer,” Hauenstein said. “We’ve tempered that down to fly what needs to be flown. The schedules to the summer are overbuilt. Expect that to be reduced.”
While he did not specify the extent of the cuts, Delta’s official summer schedule is set to be released on March 22.
United Airlines is also taking steps to scale back its operations. CEO Scott Kirby, speaking after Hauenstein at the conference, announced that United will retire 21 aircraft earlier than planned. The airline will cut flights in areas with high government-related travel and certain Canadian markets while also reducing overnight redeye flights.
The move by both airlines reflects broader industry adjustments amid shifting travel patterns and operational challenges. More details on these schedule changes are expected in the coming weeks.