Delta Air Lines (DAL) stock plunged 5.79% in a 24-hour period, marking a significant downturn for the major U.S. carrier. The sharp decline comes in the wake of a tragic Air India plane crash that has sent shockwaves through the global aviation industry and triggered a broad selloff in airline stocks.

The fatal accident involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff in western India, resulting in over 290 fatalities. This incident has reignited safety concerns across the airline sector, particularly regarding Boeing's flagship Dreamliner jet. As a result, U.S. airline stocks experienced a notable decline, with Delta Air Lines among the affected companies.

While Delta doesn't operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, instead favoring Airbus A350s and A330s for its long-haul flights, the company's stock has been caught in the industry-wide downdraft. The crash has raised broader questions about aviation safety and regulatory scrutiny, potentially impacting investor confidence in the entire airline sector. As investigations into the cause of the Air India crash continue, Delta and other major carriers may face ongoing stock volatility and increased scrutiny from both regulators and the flying public.