Delta battles rise in costs including Hurricane Irma flight cancellations

Delta Air Lines said flight cancellations due to Hurricane Irma are putting pressure on its costs, but after a busy summer travel season revenues are improving.

"While we faced a number of challenges this quarter, including multiple hurricanes and an earthquake in Mexico, I am proud of how Delta people responded and still delivered an outstanding performance this quarter," said Delta CEO Ed Bastian in a written statement as the company reported more than $1.1 billion in profit in the third quarter, down 6 percent from more than $1.2 billion a year ago.

Atlanta-based Delta's pre-tax income took a $120 million hit from flight cancellations due to Hurricane Irma at its massive Atlanta hub, as well as in other cities in Georgia and in the Caribbean and Florida.