Delta Air Lines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2005 and exited bankruptcy in 2007.
Delta entered bankruptcy protection on September 14, 2005, after high fuel prices, intense competition, and the financial effects of the September 11 attacks weakened its business. The airline continued flying while it reorganized and reduced costs.
Delta emerged on April 30, 2007, after completing its restructuring plan. It later announced a merger with Northwest Airlines, creating one of the world’s largest airlines at the time. The merger was completed in 2008.
Delta is often mixed up with United Airlines and American Airlines, which also used Chapter 11 at different times. Delta’s 2005 filing was notable because the airline continued operating throughout the process.