Delta Air Lines said it will earn roughly $1 billion in pre‑tax profit for the quarter ending June, even after budgeting an extra $2 billion for jet fuel sparked by the Iran conflict. To offset the surge, the carrier will trim about 3.5 % of its flights, while leaning on higher fares and ancillary fees.

Revenue is projected to rise at least 10 % year‑over‑year, following a first‑quarter haul of $15.9 billion. Premium cabin tickets and Delta’s co‑branded credit‑card spend drove the strongest margins, and after stripping one‑off items the airline posted an adjusted profit of $420 million—a 45 % jump. Operating expenses aside from fuel climbed 6 %.

Delta’s ownership of a Pennsylvania refinery, bought in 2012, should generate a $300 million boost in Q2, cushioning fuel volatility. The airline also raised checked‑bag fees—$10 for the first two bags and $50 for a third—mirroring United’s recent move. Investors see the profit cushion as evidence that demand remains robust across all routes.

The airline’s ability to deliver a billion‑dollar profit despite a $2 billion fuel shock reassures shareholders, while the modest flight cuts signal confidence in load factors. Analysts note that Delta’s diversified revenue streams—premium fares, credit‑card partnerships and refinery earnings—provide a buffer against geopolitical oil spikes, positioning the carrier ahead of peers still grappling with higher costs.