Why Higher Jet-Fuel Costs Are Clouding Delta (DAL)’s Near-Term Earnings Outlook

Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) is one of the stocks most affected by inflation. On March 20, 2026, Citigroup maintained its Buy rating on Delta but cut its price target to $77 from $87. Citi analyst John Godyn said the firm was updating estimates for higher fuel prices and now saw downside risk to first-quarter, second-quarter, and full-year 2026 estimates across nearly all airlines it covers. That call landed in the middle of a sharp rise in jet-fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict and broader supply ...