Delta CEO Ed Bastian reveals what must happen for airline ticket prices to fall

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said airline ticket prices will fall only if the industry can increase supply, citing air-traffic-control congestion as a key bottleneck. In an interview with FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on Tuesday, Bastian argued the problem is “logjammed” capacity rather than only fuel costs, adding that more available flight flow should ease prices. He referenced months of elevated fares after conflict in Iran and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that commercial traffic is now ramping up. Bastian also pointed to the Strait of Hormuz reopening after a 14-point memorandum signed last Wednesday by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Trump’s statement that 19 million barrels of oil flowed out the day prior. Energy costs have hit Delta’s bottom line by nearly $2 billion, contributing to price increases. He also discussed Delta’s investment-grade ratings and maintenance expansion, including Delta TechOps.