For more than 10,000 Olympic athletes, making it to Paris this summer is a dream come true. However, thousands of potential tourists feel otherwise. Delta Air Lines, a major player in transatlantic travel, is facing a significant financial hit due to travelers avoiding the City of Light. Instead, they are choosing alternative destinations, resulting in a staggering $100 million loss for the airline during an otherwise bustling European summer.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian revealed that the Paris Olympics are causing a $100 million revenue shortfall for the airline. While the Olympic Games attract athletes and sports enthusiasts, the broader tourism market seems to be steering clear of the French capital. Business travel and other forms of tourism are diverting to different cities, leading to fewer visitors in Paris than anticipated.

Delta boasts the most extensive service of any U.S. airline to Paris and maintains a joint venture with Air France. Together, these two carriers command approximately 70% of the nonstop service market between the U.S. and France. Despite this dominance, the allure of the Olympics isn’t enough to fill the seats. Travelers are opting for alternative destinations, impacting Delta’s bottom line.

European travel demand has been robust this summer, with strong bookings expected through the start of November. However, during the Olympics, there is a noticeable hesitation among travelers. Skyrocketing hotel prices in Paris act as a deterrent for mid-summer travel, leading many to postpone their holidays until after the Olympic Games or explore other travel options.

Despite the immediate impact, Bastian remains optimistic about post-Olympics demand. Once the games conclude on August 11, Paris is likely to experience a surge in visitors. Air France-KLM, the parent company of Air France, also anticipates a similar trend. For now, though, Delta must navigate a summer where the City of Light is not the preferred destination for many travelers.

Delta’s financial loss highlights the challenges airlines face during major events like the Olympics. With travelers choosing other destinations due to high costs and crowds, the airline must adapt to shifting travel patterns. Looking ahead, Delta and its partners remain hopeful for a rebound in Paris-bound tourism once the Olympic excitement settles.