Delta Air to Halt Some Food Service

Delta Air Lines, the third-largest U.S. carrier, said it would no longer serve food on most domestic flights in order to save money amid a sharp downturn in air travel.

Last month US Airways, AMR Corp.’s American Airlines and TWA said they would take similar steps on short-haul flights.

Beginning Nov. 1, Delta said it would no longer serve food on flights in the continental United States of less than 1,750 miles, or four hours, in the economy cabin and on flights of less than 700 miles in first class.

The airline said customers would continue to receive beverage service on all flights.

“We regret that the current circumstances make these changes necessary, and we hope to restore these service elements at some time in the future,” Kathryn Gerrick, Delta’s director of product development, said in a statement.

Delta said it would continue to offer meal service on most international flights.

Delta shares fell 59 cents to $22.59 on the New York Stock Exchange.