The Qantas (ASX:QAN) share price is down 4% in a month. Here's why

Australia's national airline is facing ongoing challenges.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price has struggled so far this month.

Shares in Australia's national carrier closed last week's trading at $4.54.

By comparison, Qantas shares opened at $4.73 in mid-July, marking a 4% decline in a month.

Along with challenges in the broader travel industry, shares in the airliner had to battle many headwinds within this period.

Let's take a look at what's been weighing down the Qantas share price.  

Pilot on the phone looking distraught.

Image source: Getty Images

Border closures restricting Qantas share price

It's clear the Qantas share price has been plagued by a plethora of fast-moving events during the past 30 days.

Most prominent has been Australia's continued struggle to control the delta variant of COVID-19.

With heavy restrictions on air travel, operators like Qantas have had to drastically reduce their domestic capacity. This led to the company's decision to stand down 2,500 crew.

In addition, the airliner is looking at selling some assets in a bid to reduce its debt.

Qantas recently considered selling nearly 14 hectares of land in South Sydney's industrial precinct, worth a reported $500 million.

With tighter international and domestic border restrictions, the airliner has also launched initiatives to maintain customer loyalty.

This prompted Qantas to recently offer its high-tier frequent flyers the opportunity to retain their status with the airline until June 2022.

Outlook for the Qantas share price

Given the impact of lockdowns and border closures on the travel sector, many investors will be curious about where this will leave the company's share performance.

As a result, this reporting season will be an important bellwether for the airliner.

According to a recent note from Citi, analysts expect the airliner to report a loss of $1.2 billion for the 12 months to June 30.

In addition, the broker noted that investors will also be keeping an eye on extended lockdowns impacting the airline's future profits.

Despite an initial recovery earlier this year, the Qantas share price is currently trading more than 6% lower since the start of 2021.

Qantas is scheduled to release its results on Thursday 26 August.

Motley Fool contributor Nikhil Gangaram has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Fallers

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why A2 Milk, Metallium, Northern Star, and St Barbara shares are sinking today

These shares are starting the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A young couple stands next to a real estate agent in an empty apartment they are inspecting.
Real Estate Shares

Mirvac shares sink to their lowest level since 2015. Is this ASX property giant back on the radar?

Multi-year lows put Mirvac shares back on investors’ watchlists today.

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why Orora, Select Harvests, Tamboran, and WiseTech shares are sinking today

These shares are under pressure on Thursday. What's going on?

Read more »

A boy with sad eyes pulls the zip over his mouth and nose while doing up a large jacket where the collar stands up at head height.
BNPL shares

Zip shares plunge again after yesterday's 19% surge. Here's what changed

Zip shares tumble as ceasefire hopes fade and volatility returns.

Read more »

a group of business people sit dejectedly around a table, each expressing desolation, sadness and disappointment by holding their head in their hands, casting their gazes down and looking very glum.
Share Fallers

DroneShield shares tumble 17% as CEO exit revives leadership fears

Investors bank gains as DroneShield leadership reset unsettles sentiment...

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with a pained expression on his face and a laptop in front of him.
Share Fallers

Why Challenger, Lotus Resources, Mesoblast, and Wildcat shares are falling today

These shares are starting the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why KMD, Tamboran Resources, Whitehaven Coal, and WiseTech Global shares are falling today

These shares are out of form on Thursday. What's going on?

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why Dateline, Karoon Energy, Lindian, and PEXA shares are falling today

These shares are missing out on the good times on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »