Earnings Outlook: Inflation and weak business and international travel are hurdles for major U.S. airlines as earnings season kicks off

The top 3 U.S. airlines report first-quarter results in the coming days, with investors hoping to see more signs of a recovery in international and business travel, which have lagged domestic and leisure air travel, amid concerns that inflation headwinds could lead travelers to stay home.

Delta Air Lines Inc. DAL is the first out of the gate, reporting its first-quarter numbers on Wednesday before the bell.

Analysts…