Delta Air Lines issued a clear warning that the proposed tariffs under a national security check can severely disrupt their operations, potentially annual flights to millions of passengers.In the legal documentation submitted to the US government and with Fox News Digital, Delta objected to the possible tariff in national security implications of imported aviation equipment from a commerce department investigation.The airline warned that “without providing time to adjust, any possible tariff will not only threaten us the manufacturing of the aircraft, it will also prevent delta’s ability to buy aircraft produced domestic or abroad.”Delta stressed that the new tariffs imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Extension Act will serve as a sudden tax on long -purchasing agreements, endangering the existing and future aircraft deals. The airline said, “If the tariff is recommended to the commerce under Section 232, the action will also be an unexpected on the purchase of delta aircraft, which is already on the purchase of the contracted aircraft.” “Delta will be forced to cancel the existing contracts and reconsider the contracts under negotiations.”In 2023 and 2024, the organization received 47 airbus aircraft manufactured in Canada, Germany or France, according to the document. It has been said that due to tariffs, the inability to accept these aircraft will require canceling the flight, affecting about 10 million passengers each year.The filing stated, “A similar impact may be expected to move forward, if the commerce 232 was to recommend the tariff,” the filing is said.The document further warned that Tariffs would reduce delta’s ongoing efforts to enhance its efficient manufacturing services and to compromise the ability to maintain a modern, competitive fleet for American consumers.White House spokesman Kush Desai confirmed Fox News Digital that the administration is committed to addressing national security concerns through ongoing investigation. The Department of Commerce has not released further comments.According to the formal notice, “On May 1, 2025, the Secretary of Commerce began an investigation under Section 232 (19 USC 1862) to determine the impact on the national security of commercial aircraft and jet engines, and parts for commercial aircraft and jet engines.”Delta CEO Ed Bastian had already indicated the company’s concerns. During the April earnings call, he said that the delta would postpone delivery under the tariff, a sign of airline operations and a sign of potential wave effects in customers.
