Delta, American Airlines lift Q1 guidance on strong travel demand

American Airlines Group Inc(NASDAQ:AALXETRA:A1G) View Price & Profile Delta, American Airlines lift Q1 guidance on strong travel demand

Published: 12:01 17 Mar 2026 EDT

US carriers American Airlines Group Inc (NASDAQ:AAL, XETRA:A1G) and Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL) raised their first-quarter revenue guidance on Tuesday, signaling stronger-than-expected demand for air travel despite rising fuel costs.

American now expects first-quarter revenue to grow more than 10% year-over-year, up from its previous 7% to 10% outlook.

The airline said demand has been “stronger than expected,” though higher fuel prices of around $2.75 per gallon are expected to push adjusted earnings per share toward the low end of its prior loss guidance.

Shares of American rose 3.1% in early trading.

Delta raised its first-quarter revenue forecast to $15 billion to $15.3 billion, well above Wall Street estimates of $13.8 billion.

CEO Ed Bastian said travel demand has been “really, really great.”

Delta is maintaining its mid-teens operating margin target and outlined longer-term goals including $3 billion to $5 billion in annual free cash flow, about 10% earnings per share growth, and a return on invested capital above 15%.

Delta shares climbed 4.3%.