Alaska Air Group has pulled its financial outlook for 2025, citing expectations of diminished profits in particular during the second quarter of the year. This decision surfaces amid a backdrop of growing aviation sector challenges and tough economic conditions as the company works to recalibrate its operational strategy.
In its first quarter 2025 results, Alaska Air reported a capacity growth of 3.9%, exceeding projections due partly to a fewer-than-expected number of flight cancellations. The airline has commenced strategic network adjustments which include the cancellation of four routes starting August 20, 2025. These adjustments are mainly concentrated in transcontinental markets, which have been identified as oversaturated.
As part of its strategy to boost profitability, Alaska Air is reallocating resources from less profitable routes to more lucrative ones. The airline is expanding its service from San Diego by introducing new daily flights to Chicago O’Hare, Denver, and Phoenix in late August and October 2025, using 737 MAX 9 aircraft. According to reports from Insider Monkey, this shift comes amidst declining shares of Alaska Air due to efficiency challenges and economic uncertainties that have led analysts to lower their ratings for the group.