U.S. Airline Stocks Hold Steady Despite Spike in Flight Cancellations
Shares of major U.S. commercial airlines remained resilient during early trading on Monday, defying a weekend marked by escalating flight disruptions. Over 2,800 flights were canceled on Sunday, with more than 10,000 delayed, as air traffic control staffing shortages—unpaid due to the prolonged government shutdown—forced authorities to curtail operations at 40 major airports.
American Airlines (AAL), Delta Air Lines (DAL), and United Airlines (UAL) all posted pre-market gains, rising 1.25%, 1.32%, and 1.52%, respectively. The NYSE Arca Airline Index closed Friday up 1.75%, signaling investor confidence despite operational chaos.