According to CNBC, Delta Air Lines cut its full-year 2026 earnings outlook after fuel costs surged, but Chief Executive Ed Bastian said demand remains strong and fares continue to rise. The airline forecast adjusted earnings per share of $5.10 to $5.60 for the year, down from its July outlook of $6.50 to $7.50, and reduced its free cash flow forecast to $2.5 billion from as much as $4 billion. Delta also said fourth-quarter revenue is expected to rise 20% from a year earlier, after adjusting for its refinery in Trainer, Pennsylvania, and reported third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.72 versus $1.75 expected. Adjusted revenue came in at $17.59 billion versus $17.67 billion expected, while net income fell 47% to $756 million from $1.42 billion a year earlier. Bastian said the consumer response remains strong across channels, cabins and geographies, and that the airline has passed along much of a $6 billion increase in fuel costs this year.