Delta Air Lines Makes Major Change Affecting Hundreds of Workers

More than 370 workers will soon find themselves laid off from their current jobs due to a change being made by Delta Air Lines.

On Aug. 5, Unifi Aviation, LLC wrote the state of Georgia's Office of Workforce Development about the layoffs, saying that Delta was terminating its partnership with the contractor. That company is a "ground handling service."

The Delta Airlines Layoffs Are at Atlanta's Airport, But the Workers Will Be Offered New Jobs

The letter says the company "provides commissary services at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport" in Atlanta "under a contract with Delta Air Lines."

Delta "recently notified Unifi that it will no longer need aviation commissary services after the last contracted department on Sept. 30, 2025, and will terminate the aviation commissary services provided by Unifi pursuant to contractual provisions," the letter says.

However, according to WSB-TV, Delta and Unifi both say the workers "will be offered roles with the next company Delta uses or in other roles at the airport."

"This decision will result in the permanent elimination of all of Unifi’s current aviation commissary positions at ATL, effective September 30, 2025," Unifi added in the letter. Delta Air Lines gave the company "short notice," it said in the letter.

Delta Air Lines Explained Why It Is Making the Change

Delta gave a statement to WSB-TV explaining the rationale for the change.

“Delta is transitioning our Atlanta commissary services from Unifi to Newrest and partnering with both organizations to maintain a seamless customer and employee experience," Delta wrote. "While the partner overseeing this work will change, all Unifi employees have been given the opportunity to join the Newrest team.”

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A220 airplane prepares to takeoff at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on July 10, 2025.

SAUL LOEB/Getty Images

Unifi Aviation, LLC filed a worker adjustment and retraining notification with the state of Georgia. It lists the "first date of separation" as Sept. 30, 2025.

The type of layoff or closure is listed as "permanent closure," with 379 employees affected.

Of the affected workers, 111 are assembly agents who "pick and pack" snacks and beverages for planes, according to a document filed by the company.

Another 157 workers are helpers and guides for catering trucks. The remaining workers are commissary supervisors and a business analyst.

Related: Southwest Airlines Announces 'Unprecedented' Change Amid Free Bag Outrage