2 Airline Stocks Drawing Unusual Options Volume Today

Airline stocks are moving lower today, as broader market weakness and lingering fuel-cost concerns weigh on the sector. Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL) and United Airlines Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:UAL) are both attracting unusual options activity, with traders leaning bearish amid the pullback.

Delta Air Lines stock is down 2.3% to trade at $89.23, pulling back from its recent rally off mid October lows. Options volume is running at 4.0 times the usual intraday pace, with 165,685 contracts exchanged so far, compared to the average of 41,328. Sentiment is bearish, with negative net option delta volume of roughly 21,000 shares.

UAL is shedding 3% to trade at $114.82, following yesterday's reports that company insiders sold more than $13 million worth of shares. The airline also recently announced restrictions on third-party AI assistants booking or modifying flights through its system. Options traders are taking a slightly bearish stance, with negative net option delta volume of 4,000 shares. So far, 112,328 contracts have crossed the tape, or 4.1 times the typical intraday amount.