Delta battles rise in costs including Hurricane Irma flight cancellations

ajc.com

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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.

The company also expects its costs for this year to rise due to increases in profit sharing to be paid to employees.