MILAN, Italy — Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Ed Bastian delivered a robust defense of the United States as a premier tourism destination during an interview with AFP on Wednesday. His comments come amid growing international apprehension about U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration, which some fear could deter visitors for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bastian emphatically distinguished between immigration enforcement and tourism, stating, ‘The U.S. has a focus on immigration. This is not immigration. This is tourism.’ He assured potential visitors that those arriving with proper documentation would encounter ‘no issues’ entering the country.
The CEO’s reassurances are strategically timed as the United States, alongside co-hosts Canada and Mexico, prepares to welcome a massive influx of international travelers for the month-long football championship starting June 11, 2026. Bastian expressed optimism that the tournament would attract substantial European and international visitors, providing a significant boost to the U.S. travel market.
Simultaneously, Bastian revealed Delta’s strong financial outlook, projecting first-quarter 2026 revenue growth between 5-7%, driven by sustained demand from premium consumers. The airline’s sponsorship of Team USA at the Winter Olympic Games underscores its commitment to global sporting partnerships.
In a significant fleet development, Delta announced its January order for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with options for 30 additional planes. This move marks a strategic diversification for the carrier, which has historically been a major Airbus customer. Bastian addressed Boeing’s recent challenges, including the 737 MAX groundings following fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, expressing confidence in the manufacturer’s recovery. ‘Boeing is doing a good job of stabilizing the situation,’ he noted, praising the company’s progress under new leadership.
The CEO emphasized the necessity of maintaining relationships with both major aircraft manufacturers: ‘As one of the largest global airlines in the world, you can’t rely only on Airbus. You must work with both suppliers.’ He concluded with measured optimism regarding Boeing’s trajectory: ‘We’re now at a point where we’re confident Boeing is on the good side of recovery.’