September 2005
On September 14, both Delta Air Lines, Inc. and its subsidiaries, and Northwest Airlines Corporation voluntarily filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Delta and Northwest join United Airlines and US Airways in seeking to restructure under bankruptcy protection from creditors. Protection from creditors will give both airlines time to restructure debt and renegotiate with their employees and retirees over jobs, salaries, and pensions.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport officially reopened for commercial airline service September 13. At this time, it will handle just two flights to and from Memphis, operated by Northwest Airlines. Delta Air Lines said it would resume limited service on September 16, but offered no details. Southwest Airlines, the airport's dominant carrier with 57 flights a day, indicated the airline was not accepting any passenger reservations to New Orleans and does not have an expected date when service would resume. The airport plans to have one gift shop and one fast-food restaurant open by September 15.