DELTA ABSORBS $6 BILLION FUEL COST HIT

Delta Air Lines said fuel costs climbed $6 billion this year, the main drag on its 2026 outlook. The carrier still expects roughly $4.5 billion in pre-tax profit for the full year. Delta ($DAL) is pricing December-quarter fuel at $4.25 a gallon on the forward curve, a level that keeps squeezing margins. Oil's grip on airline profits remains the story heading into year-end.