Southwest Airlines cuts outlook on government shutdown demand hit, higher fuel costs

Southwest Airlines cut its 2025 earnings forecast Friday, citing a demand dip during the federal government shutdown, the longest ever.

The carrier said it expects 2025 earnings before interest and taxes of about $500 million, down from a previous forecast of $600 million to $800 million, because of lower revenue in the shutdown and higher fuel prices.

“Following the temporary decline in demand related to the shutdown, bookings have returned to previous expectations,” Southwest said in a securities filing.

Earlier this week, Delta Air Lines said the impasse cost it $200 million but added that demand looks strong going into 2026.

The shutdown disrupted travel as air traffic controller shortages worsened around the country. Controllers were among the federal workers required to work despite not receiving regular paychecks during the more than 40-day shutdown.

The Trump administration required airlines to trim their schedules and cancel flights, citing increased pressure on air traffic controllers in the closure. However, disruptions on some days surpassed the required cuts.