SEC Info  
    Home      Search      My Interests      Help      Sign In      Please Sign In

Delta Air Lines, Inc. – ‘10-K’ for 12/31/20 – ‘EX-101.DEF’

On:  Friday, 2/12/21, at 5:27pm ET   ·   For:  12/31/20   ·   Accession #:  27904-21-3   ·   File #:  1-05424

Previous ‘10-K’:  ‘10-K’ on 2/13/20 for 12/31/19   ·   Next:  ‘10-K’ on 2/11/22 for 12/31/21   ·   Latest:  ‘10-K’ on 2/12/24 for 12/31/23   ·   33 References:   

Find Words in Filings emoji
 
  in    Show  and   Hints

  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size

 2/12/21  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-K       12/31/20  122:17M

Annual Report   —   Form 10-K
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 10-K        Annual Report                                       HTML   1.83M 
 2: EX-4.1      Instrument Defining the Rights of Security Holders  HTML     35K 
 7: EX-10.15B   Material Contract                                   HTML     35K 
 8: EX-10.21    Material Contract                                   HTML     64K 
 3: EX-10.4B    Material Contract                                   HTML     98K 
 4: EX-10.7     Material Contract                                   HTML     94K 
 5: EX-10.8A    Material Contract                                   HTML    168K 
 6: EX-10.8B    Material Contract                                   HTML     99K 
 9: EX-21.1     Subsidiaries List                                   HTML     33K 
10: EX-23.1     Consent of Expert or Counsel                        HTML     33K 
11: EX-31.1     Certification -- §302 - SOA'02                      HTML     34K 
12: EX-31.2     Certification -- §302 - SOA'02                      HTML     34K 
13: EX-31.3     Certification -- §302 - SOA'02                      HTML     34K 
14: EX-32       Certification -- §906 - SOA'02                      HTML     33K 
21: R1          Cover                                               HTML     94K 
22: R2          Consolidated Balance Sheets                         HTML    158K 
23: R3          Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)         HTML     52K 
24: R4          Consolidated Statements of Operations               HTML    123K 
25: R5          Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive            HTML     53K 
                (Loss)/Income                                                    
26: R6          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows               HTML    140K 
27: R7          Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity     HTML     91K 
28: R8          Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity     HTML     32K 
                (Parenthetical)                                                  
29: R9          Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML     89K 
30: R10         Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic                     HTML     82K 
31: R11         Revenue Recognition                                 HTML    106K 
32: R12         Fair Value Measurements                             HTML     78K 
33: R13         Investments                                         HTML     75K 
34: R14         Derivatives and Risk Management                     HTML    107K 
35: R15         Goodwill and Intangible Assets                      HTML     64K 
36: R16         Debt                                                HTML    116K 
37: R17         Leases                                              HTML    165K 
38: R18         Airport Redevelopment                               HTML     41K 
39: R19         Employee Benefit Plans                              HTML    209K 
40: R20         Commitments and Contingencies                       HTML     71K 
41: R21         Income Taxes                                        HTML     81K 
42: R22         Equity and Equity Compensation                      HTML     40K 
43: R23         Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss                HTML     61K 
44: R24         Segments                                            HTML     90K 
45: R25         (Loss)/Earnings Per Share                           HTML     46K 
46: R26         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML    121K 
                (Policies)                                                       
47: R27         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML     70K 
                (Tables)                                                         
48: R28         Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic (Tables)            HTML     55K 
49: R29         Revenue Recognition (Tables)                        HTML     84K 
50: R30         Fair Value Measurements (Tables)                    HTML     66K 
51: R31         Investments (Tables)                                HTML     56K 
52: R32         Derivatives and Risk Management (Tables)            HTML    119K 
53: R33         Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)             HTML     58K 
54: R34         Debt (Tables)                                       HTML    106K 
55: R35         Leases (Tables)                                     HTML    107K 
56: R36         Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)                     HTML    199K 
57: R37         Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)              HTML     62K 
58: R38         Income Taxes (Tables)                               HTML     79K 
59: R39         Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)       HTML     60K 
60: R40         Segments (Tables)                                   HTML     83K 
61: R41         (Loss)/Earnings Per Share (Tables)                  HTML     44K 
62: R42         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies -        HTML     60K 
                Narrative (Details)                                              
63: R43         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies -        HTML     61K 
                Property and Equipment, net (Details)                            
64: R44         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash,  HTML     45K 
                Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash                            
                Reconciliation (Details)                                         
65: R45         Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic - Narrative         HTML     92K 
                (Details)                                                        
66: R46         Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic - Restructuring     HTML     40K 
                Charges by Category (Details)                                    
67: R47         Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic - Fleet             HTML     55K 
                Retirements by Aircraft Type (Details)                           
68: R48         Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic - Government        HTML     96K 
                Support Programs (Details)                                       
69: R49         Revenue Recognition - Passenger Revenue (Details)   HTML     44K 
70: R50         Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details)           HTML     50K 
71: R51         Revenue Recognition - Loyalty Program Liability     HTML     41K 
                (Details)                                                        
72: R52         Revenue Recognition - Revenue by Geographic Region  HTML     51K 
                (Details)                                                        
73: R53         Revenue Recognition - Other Revenue (Details)       HTML     45K 
74: R54         Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Measurements   HTML     76K 
                on a Recurring Basis (Details)                                   
75: R55         Investments - Narrative (Details)                   HTML    159K 
76: R56         Investments - Fair Value Investments (Details)      HTML     43K 
77: R57         Investments - Equity Method Investments (Details)   HTML     39K 
78: R58         Derivatives and Risk Management - Narrative         HTML     51K 
                (Details)                                                        
79: R59         Derivatives and Risk Management - Hedge Position    HTML     93K 
                (Details)                                                        
80: R60         Derivatives and Risk Management - Balance Sheet     HTML     41K 
                Location of Hedged Item (Details)                                
81: R61         Derivatives and Risk Management - Offsetting        HTML     47K 
                Assets and Liabilities (Details)                                 
82: R62         Derivatives and Risk Management - Not Designated    HTML     40K 
                Hedge Gains (Losses) (Details)                                   
83: R63         Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Valuation of       HTML     62K 
                Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible (Details)               
84: R64         Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Definite-Lived     HTML     42K 
                Intangible Assets (Details)                                      
85: R65         Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Narrative          HTML     45K 
                (Details)                                                        
86: R66         Debt - Summary of Debt (Details)                    HTML    118K 
87: R67         Debt - Narrative (Details)                          HTML    176K 
88: R68         Debt - 2020-1 EETC (Details)                        HTML     49K 
89: R69         Debt - Fair Value of Debt (Details)                 HTML     35K 
90: R70         Debt - Future Maturities (Details)                  HTML     67K 
91: R71         Leases - Narrative (Details)                        HTML     80K 
92: R72         Leases - Lease Position (Details)                   HTML     64K 
93: R73         Leases - Lease Costs (Details)                      HTML     48K 
94: R74         Leases - Other Information (Details)                HTML     37K 
95: R75         Leases - Undiscounted Cash Flows (Details)          HTML     79K 
96: R76         Airport Redevelopment (Details)                     HTML     69K 
97: R77         Employee Benefit Plans - Benefit Obligations, Fair  HTML     88K 
                Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status (Details)                 
98: R78         Employee Benefit Plans - Balance Sheet Position     HTML     57K 
                (Details)                                                        
99: R79         Employee Benefit Plans - Net Periodic (Benefit)     HTML     66K 
                Cost (Details)                                                   
100: R80         Employee Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used to        HTML     49K  
                Determine Benefit Obligation and Net Periodic                    
                Benefit Cost (Details)                                           
101: R81         Employee Benefit Plans - Expected Benefit Payments  HTML     48K  
                (Details)                                                        
102: R82         Employee Benefit Plans - Benefit Plan Assets        HTML     62K  
                Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis                        
                (Details)                                                        
103: R83         Employee Benefit Plans - Investments Measured at    HTML     62K  
                NAV (Details)                                                    
104: R84         Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details)        HTML     85K  
105: R85         Commitments and Contingencies - Aircraft Purchase   HTML     52K  
                Commitments and Contract Carrier Minimum                         
                Obligations (Details)                                            
106: R86         Commitments and Contingencies - Aircraft Purchase   HTML     49K  
                Commitments by Fleet Type (Details)                              
107: R87         Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative           HTML     54K  
                (Details)                                                        
108: R88         Commitments and Contingencies - Employees Under     HTML     40K  
                Collective Bargaining Agreements (Details)                       
109: R89         Commitments and Contingencies - Employees Under     HTML     36K  
                Collective Bargaining Agreements Narrative                       
                (Details)                                                        
110: R90         Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Benefit     HTML     49K  
                (Provision) (Details)                                            
111: R91         Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate            HTML     43K  
                Reconciliation (Details)                                         
112: R92         Income Taxes - Deferred Taxes (Details)             HTML     70K  
113: R93         Income Taxes - Narrative (Details)                  HTML     38K  
114: R94         Equity and Equity Compensation (Details)            HTML     70K  
115: R95         Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)      HTML     80K  
116: R96         Segments - Narrative (Details)                      HTML     41K  
117: R97         Segments - Schedule of Segment Reporting (Details)  HTML     72K  
118: R98         (Loss)/Earnings Per Share (Details)                 HTML     58K  
120: XML         IDEA XML File -- Filing Summary                      XML    211K  
20: XML         XBRL Instance -- dal-20201231_htm                    XML   4.41M 
119: EXCEL       IDEA Workbook of Financial Reports                  XLSX    181K  
16: EX-101.CAL  XBRL Calculations -- dal-20201231_cal                XML    375K 
17: EX-101.DEF  XBRL Definitions -- dal-20201231_def                 XML   1.47M 
18: EX-101.LAB  XBRL Labels -- dal-20201231_lab                      XML   2.91M 
19: EX-101.PRE  XBRL Presentations -- dal-20201231_pre               XML   1.84M 
15: EX-101.SCH  XBRL Schema -- dal-20201231                          XSD    310K 
121: JSON        XBRL Instance as JSON Data -- MetaLinks              630±   899K  
122: ZIP         XBRL Zipped Folder -- 0000027904-21-000003-xbrl      Zip    804K  


‘EX-101.DEF’   —   XBRL Definitions — dal-20201231_def


This Exhibit is an XBRL XML File.


                                                                                                                                                                                
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="windows-1252"?>
<!-- XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva -->
<!-- Copyright 2021 Workiva -->
<!-- r:499d9426-0958-44d6-9587-37c0b7bd77ce,g:487b0199-6b95-43b3-9e10-337ae8b12080 -->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
<link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all"/>
<link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension"/>
<link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default"/>
<link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain"/>
<link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/Cover" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#Cover"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/Cover" xlink:type="extended" id="i821aac7d7e5d4f90997c7f372e4889a1_Cover"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" id="i57053d2503254d58b249e0d403d12f67_ConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_36da6bc4-ee0a-466f-9f03-204326735cd8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_8f1142cc-9746-4ed0-916c-2bb0d4df7cb6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_36da6bc4-ee0a-466f-9f03-204326735cd8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_8f1142cc-9746-4ed0-916c-2bb0d4df7cb6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3d38d15a-280b-4ff9-9223-c4d889406758" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_8f1142cc-9746-4ed0-916c-2bb0d4df7cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3d38d15a-280b-4ff9-9223-c4d889406758" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_fae969b0-c9b6-4f2a-8608-5a20fcfc1524" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3d38d15a-280b-4ff9-9223-c4d889406758" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_fae969b0-c9b6-4f2a-8608-5a20fcfc1524" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_182f2e70-3876-4ba9-9ac1-b5e119509d23" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3d38d15a-280b-4ff9-9223-c4d889406758" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_182f2e70-3876-4ba9-9ac1-b5e119509d23" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent_03128d91-70c4-465d-a2ce-3f4b2de34db2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3d38d15a-280b-4ff9-9223-c4d889406758" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent_03128d91-70c4-465d-a2ce-3f4b2de34db2" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AirlineRelatedInventoryAircraftFuel_d049e67c-e89e-485a-ae44-f9c8715672e6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AirlineRelatedInventoryAircraftFuel"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3d38d15a-280b-4ff9-9223-c4d889406758" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AirlineRelatedInventoryAircraftFuel_d049e67c-e89e-485a-ae44-f9c8715672e6" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AirlineRelatedInventoryAircraftPartsAndSuppliesNet_29e1631c-4c52-49d8-aec8-1e8a6e1d4d46" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AirlineRelatedInventoryAircraftPartsAndSuppliesNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3d38d15a-280b-4ff9-9223-c4d889406758" xlink:to="loc_dal_AirlineRelatedInventoryAircraftPartsAndSuppliesNet_29e1631c-4c52-49d8-aec8-1e8a6e1d4d46" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_2dc8632a-829d-4076-9aac-962d9b9a92df" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3d38d15a-280b-4ff9-9223-c4d889406758" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_2dc8632a-829d-4076-9aac-962d9b9a92df" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_27f97a7f-75af-4fec-8630-b723614ccff6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3d38d15a-280b-4ff9-9223-c4d889406758" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_27f97a7f-75af-4fec-8630-b723614ccff6" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_5cc77479-4e19-4120-9007-6a00280facba" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_8f1142cc-9746-4ed0-916c-2bb0d4df7cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_5cc77479-4e19-4120-9007-6a00280facba" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_7742f8c8-80a9-400d-a76d-a8a1261ff6c9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_5cc77479-4e19-4120-9007-6a00280facba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_7742f8c8-80a9-400d-a76d-a8a1261ff6c9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_b491050b-b99a-4a70-8bf8-875de048bd79" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_5cc77479-4e19-4120-9007-6a00280facba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_b491050b-b99a-4a70-8bf8-875de048bd79" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_d6eb25bb-b5f2-4986-b4da-516444d508b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_5cc77479-4e19-4120-9007-6a00280facba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_d6eb25bb-b5f2-4986-b4da-516444d508b0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_7f1cd0a8-d22b-4632-a0be-85118358fdc9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_5cc77479-4e19-4120-9007-6a00280facba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_7f1cd0a8-d22b-4632-a0be-85118358fdc9" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent_db0dbaa5-9454-4f62-896f-7ecaf6a90bb5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_5cc77479-4e19-4120-9007-6a00280facba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent_db0dbaa5-9454-4f62-896f-7ecaf6a90bb5" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesAndEquityMethodInvestments_14f2fdbb-53b7-4b60-92a1-9a1bbe1a6b9c" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EquitySecuritiesAndEquityMethodInvestments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_5cc77479-4e19-4120-9007-6a00280facba" xlink:to="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesAndEquityMethodInvestments_14f2fdbb-53b7-4b60-92a1-9a1bbe1a6b9c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_612af5b2-59b2-424a-9c5b-6800372abbcf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_5cc77479-4e19-4120-9007-6a00280facba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_612af5b2-59b2-424a-9c5b-6800372abbcf" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_837a6399-ea47-47d9-9fa1-5a86f1eb34d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_5cc77479-4e19-4120-9007-6a00280facba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_837a6399-ea47-47d9-9fa1-5a86f1eb34d7" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_7a3c7b68-af2d-4ec6-8b48-263b0fd4a69b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_5cc77479-4e19-4120-9007-6a00280facba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_7a3c7b68-af2d-4ec6-8b48-263b0fd4a69b" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_bfee5c19-22ef-4bf1-9f8d-17a54013c8a7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_8f1142cc-9746-4ed0-916c-2bb0d4df7cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_bfee5c19-22ef-4bf1-9f8d-17a54013c8a7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_a0dd0d7a-7c47-4c86-b0b3-c03f934deaee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_36da6bc4-ee0a-466f-9f03-204326735cd8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_a0dd0d7a-7c47-4c86-b0b3-c03f934deaee" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_996aa952-21db-461e-8435-fdcc648d8ba3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_a0dd0d7a-7c47-4c86-b0b3-c03f934deaee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_996aa952-21db-461e-8435-fdcc648d8ba3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_ecc36170-1f17-4dfe-b88f-149f21557261" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_996aa952-21db-461e-8435-fdcc648d8ba3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_ecc36170-1f17-4dfe-b88f-149f21557261" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_24738177-cf87-45a7-bb9a-1101104a3305" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_996aa952-21db-461e-8435-fdcc648d8ba3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_24738177-cf87-45a7-bb9a-1101104a3305" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_edecde3e-4621-420e-8c5e-5723865cd6d9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_996aa952-21db-461e-8435-fdcc648d8ba3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_edecde3e-4621-420e-8c5e-5723865cd6d9" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_d3ad6443-f7ca-4c4d-a6d6-6eb1ade39943" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_996aa952-21db-461e-8435-fdcc648d8ba3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_d3ad6443-f7ca-4c4d-a6d6-6eb1ade39943" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_1bcc8138-f8d7-4c7d-9841-f0e0fc7060eb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_996aa952-21db-461e-8435-fdcc648d8ba3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_1bcc8138-f8d7-4c7d-9841-f0e0fc7060eb" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermNonBankLoansAndNotesPayable_885db2fc-2fb8-420b-ba7e-d2e30a68dfe2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermNonBankLoansAndNotesPayable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_996aa952-21db-461e-8435-fdcc648d8ba3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermNonBankLoansAndNotesPayable_885db2fc-2fb8-420b-ba7e-d2e30a68dfe2" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_1e1b53cd-2280-4fd0-afc7-a2cae086a474" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_996aa952-21db-461e-8435-fdcc648d8ba3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_1e1b53cd-2280-4fd0-afc7-a2cae086a474" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_3dda0da0-a8d0-435a-8dd4-8002e32695c0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_996aa952-21db-461e-8435-fdcc648d8ba3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_3dda0da0-a8d0-435a-8dd4-8002e32695c0" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_fed6cd89-66b0-42be-afa1-b150456df760" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_a0dd0d7a-7c47-4c86-b0b3-c03f934deaee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_fed6cd89-66b0-42be-afa1-b150456df760" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_2d8ff9bd-cd2a-4a88-92a5-d192869c7d2e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_fed6cd89-66b0-42be-afa1-b150456df760" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_2d8ff9bd-cd2a-4a88-92a5-d192869c7d2e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrent_2c626787-ccb4-41c8-984c-f4cb79913c59" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_fed6cd89-66b0-42be-afa1-b150456df760" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrent_2c626787-ccb4-41c8-984c-f4cb79913c59" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_0b878527-d825-41c8-8701-d87da1bf525b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_fed6cd89-66b0-42be-afa1-b150456df760" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_0b878527-d825-41c8-8701-d87da1bf525b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_7bdc6ef2-23cf-4a3b-b56f-595f655dde17" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_fed6cd89-66b0-42be-afa1-b150456df760" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_7bdc6ef2-23cf-4a3b-b56f-595f655dde17" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_19727b5a-6d44-4f0d-9503-5acd3fe0caef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_fed6cd89-66b0-42be-afa1-b150456df760" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_19727b5a-6d44-4f0d-9503-5acd3fe0caef" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1f1551b6-2935-48e0-b49b-97cae5fbaa60" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_fed6cd89-66b0-42be-afa1-b150456df760" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1f1551b6-2935-48e0-b49b-97cae5fbaa60" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_1b097fb8-8323-4292-8879-76b41bed8f0b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_fed6cd89-66b0-42be-afa1-b150456df760" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_1b097fb8-8323-4292-8879-76b41bed8f0b" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_4e3518aa-3531-44b6-9065-95911bfde5d3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_a0dd0d7a-7c47-4c86-b0b3-c03f934deaee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_4e3518aa-3531-44b6-9065-95911bfde5d3" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_1d4c3eee-594f-4e72-9d29-29830543417e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_a0dd0d7a-7c47-4c86-b0b3-c03f934deaee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_1d4c3eee-594f-4e72-9d29-29830543417e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_b6592037-19a9-4f7b-80cb-ba6ad885be6c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_1d4c3eee-594f-4e72-9d29-29830543417e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_b6592037-19a9-4f7b-80cb-ba6ad885be6c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_23da6428-4e0e-4561-a814-081ca0a7528a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_1d4c3eee-594f-4e72-9d29-29830543417e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_23da6428-4e0e-4561-a814-081ca0a7528a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_71c90514-b882-4832-8950-303d09841c00" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_1d4c3eee-594f-4e72-9d29-29830543417e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_71c90514-b882-4832-8950-303d09841c00" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_6e36cb5d-8253-4625-ae1b-54398141b35a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_1d4c3eee-594f-4e72-9d29-29830543417e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_6e36cb5d-8253-4625-ae1b-54398141b35a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_fd5483e7-584e-4885-a91b-41fc2c1cb042" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_1d4c3eee-594f-4e72-9d29-29830543417e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_fd5483e7-584e-4885-a91b-41fc2c1cb042" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_370d9185-ea5a-4687-8e15-8298157f95f8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_1d4c3eee-594f-4e72-9d29-29830543417e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_370d9185-ea5a-4687-8e15-8298157f95f8" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_febb9546-8e30-4e7d-a8ee-db235fb84e63" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_a0dd0d7a-7c47-4c86-b0b3-c03f934deaee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_febb9546-8e30-4e7d-a8ee-db235fb84e63" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5cf59592-c303-404e-80c6-f58631312aff" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_36da6bc4-ee0a-466f-9f03-204326735cd8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5cf59592-c303-404e-80c6-f58631312aff" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_5af5a229-50a6-4b6e-9206-4dd0a68237d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5cf59592-c303-404e-80c6-f58631312aff" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_5af5a229-50a6-4b6e-9206-4dd0a68237d7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_5af5a229-50a6-4b6e-9206-4dd0a68237d7_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_5af5a229-50a6-4b6e-9206-4dd0a68237d7" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_5af5a229-50a6-4b6e-9206-4dd0a68237d7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4d8ad474-dd4f-468d-b2c2-1bb11544c953" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_5af5a229-50a6-4b6e-9206-4dd0a68237d7" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4d8ad474-dd4f-468d-b2c2-1bb11544c953" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PassengerAirTrafficMember_6a98e673-90a0-4f37-9691-09c51631ac01" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PassengerAirTrafficMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4d8ad474-dd4f-468d-b2c2-1bb11544c953" xlink:to="loc_dal_PassengerAirTrafficMember_6a98e673-90a0-4f37-9691-09c51631ac01" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProductAndServiceOtherLoyaltyProgramMember_145709e0-cb07-468c-b0d7-49d1429a4ea0" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProductAndServiceOtherLoyaltyProgramMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4d8ad474-dd4f-468d-b2c2-1bb11544c953" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProductAndServiceOtherLoyaltyProgramMember_145709e0-cb07-468c-b0d7-49d1429a4ea0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" id="ia79cf74d90b249908562eddfa09c8bb7_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofOperations" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsofOperations"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofOperations" xlink:type="extended" id="i826d399a616d46ea97f300b0a5203e8c_ConsolidatedStatementsofOperations">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f6a9edd5-2ad0-4a2f-8420-16a5014f7590" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_d608581a-6854-43db-bc6a-435ff45eb3d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f6a9edd5-2ad0-4a2f-8420-16a5014f7590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_d608581a-6854-43db-bc6a-435ff45eb3d7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_15a3ea07-a195-4c35-acd8-eda693ba084e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_d608581a-6854-43db-bc6a-435ff45eb3d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_15a3ea07-a195-4c35-acd8-eda693ba084e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f6a9edd5-2ad0-4a2f-8420-16a5014f7590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_2567239d-d939-40a5-a70f-dd22855d75a2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_2567239d-d939-40a5-a70f-dd22855d75a2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FuelCosts_c9282782-372c-453c-ab4a-94b5af57cabe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FuelCosts"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FuelCosts_c9282782-372c-453c-ab4a-94b5af57cabe" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AirlineCapacityPurchaseArrangements_f382d0bf-221e-46a4-a950-55fe75004a88" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AirlineCapacityPurchaseArrangements"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AirlineCapacityPurchaseArrangements_f382d0bf-221e-46a4-a950-55fe75004a88" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_d92d4aa6-3e17-42a6-908a-a7fffd59a1ac" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_d92d4aa6-3e17-42a6-908a-a7fffd59a1ac" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AncillaryBusinessesAndRefineryExpenses_739b2f12-71a8-4115-958b-02e9b3f1733a" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AncillaryBusinessesAndRefineryExpenses"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_dal_AncillaryBusinessesAndRefineryExpenses_739b2f12-71a8-4115-958b-02e9b3f1733a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfessionalAndContractServicesExpense_b7596b3f-fdff-4cbc-a90e-989ce5dbd89f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfessionalAndContractServicesExpense"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfessionalAndContractServicesExpense_b7596b3f-fdff-4cbc-a90e-989ce5dbd89f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandingFeesAndOtherRentals_cc671f18-48db-4c7d-917c-f9aee4af73e8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandingFeesAndOtherRentals"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandingFeesAndOtherRentals_cc671f18-48db-4c7d-917c-f9aee4af73e8" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AircraftMaintenanceMaterialsAndRepairs_51d597d7-c445-4c2d-950e-6d95d9592ced" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AircraftMaintenanceMaterialsAndRepairs"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AircraftMaintenanceMaterialsAndRepairs_51d597d7-c445-4c2d-950e-6d95d9592ced" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense_81dc00d5-24d3-4066-b96e-d9faa87b77a2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense_81dc00d5-24d3-4066-b96e-d9faa87b77a2" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfServicesCatering_4caad885-8e49-4e0c-97c1-a89027309e3e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfServicesCatering"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfServicesCatering_4caad885-8e49-4e0c-97c1-a89027309e3e" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AircraftRental_3fcd0c26-f96e-4e52-97cd-edf55408e2a7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AircraftRental"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AircraftRental_3fcd0c26-f96e-4e52-97cd-edf55408e2a7" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_65615be3-35a8-4cbb-b42c-2289e6e7ca1f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_65615be3-35a8-4cbb-b42c-2289e6e7ca1f" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_GrantsRecognizedGovernmentGrants_aba9e59d-811a-495a-a9e1-d81c47aca31d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_GrantsRecognizedGovernmentGrants"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_dal_GrantsRecognizedGovernmentGrants_aba9e59d-811a-495a-a9e1-d81c47aca31d" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLaborRelatedExpenses_c4fe33ac-41a6-4d2f-ba55-8d50980c189b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLaborRelatedExpenses"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLaborRelatedExpenses_c4fe33ac-41a6-4d2f-ba55-8d50980c189b" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_c8ee7311-fa58-4847-9814-aad5e4b0f4d1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_c8ee7311-fa58-4847-9814-aad5e4b0f4d1" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_6fa19ecb-ea9c-425f-b965-31d8afe9db89" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_cf2edbab-4707-40ac-8d6b-ff19b1d2b10d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_6fa19ecb-ea9c-425f-b965-31d8afe9db89" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_74cef546-e29b-4e45-b2f8-1aec27615fdc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f6a9edd5-2ad0-4a2f-8420-16a5014f7590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_74cef546-e29b-4e45-b2f8-1aec27615fdc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_796c29ef-dc8f-454d-8fc6-9882d867cf82" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f6a9edd5-2ad0-4a2f-8420-16a5014f7590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_796c29ef-dc8f-454d-8fc6-9882d867cf82" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_005db245-af52-4a13-bb52-40f0496cb4e4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_796c29ef-dc8f-454d-8fc6-9882d867cf82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_005db245-af52-4a13-bb52-40f0496cb4e4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_6923dc74-4927-4c3a-b835-1307ecac2571" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairment"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_796c29ef-dc8f-454d-8fc6-9882d867cf82" xlink:to="loc_dal_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_6923dc74-4927-4c3a-b835-1307ecac2571" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_85c05e5d-98f0-40ab-969a-e7e8c61df2fc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_796c29ef-dc8f-454d-8fc6-9882d867cf82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_85c05e5d-98f0-40ab-969a-e7e8c61df2fc" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_3ca7bd54-0227-4e7f-ad92-5514f84fca0a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_796c29ef-dc8f-454d-8fc6-9882d867cf82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_3ca7bd54-0227-4e7f-ad92-5514f84fca0a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_955b47d8-852e-4641-9d06-68a9b25a166a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_796c29ef-dc8f-454d-8fc6-9882d867cf82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_955b47d8-852e-4641-9d06-68a9b25a166a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_355db492-c654-4fc2-acb9-0a9b48387051" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f6a9edd5-2ad0-4a2f-8420-16a5014f7590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_355db492-c654-4fc2-acb9-0a9b48387051" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_2066bd6d-d45f-4f44-a8af-11bcebbc064e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f6a9edd5-2ad0-4a2f-8420-16a5014f7590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_2066bd6d-d45f-4f44-a8af-11bcebbc064e" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a01c77f9-876e-4dc8-a30d-3e6a571088ac" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f6a9edd5-2ad0-4a2f-8420-16a5014f7590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a01c77f9-876e-4dc8-a30d-3e6a571088ac" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_bd585a9d-b305-484b-905a-e9ec5c21afef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f6a9edd5-2ad0-4a2f-8420-16a5014f7590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_bd585a9d-b305-484b-905a-e9ec5c21afef" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_b49e3367-33ee-41aa-99f7-046eae5db431" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f6a9edd5-2ad0-4a2f-8420-16a5014f7590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_b49e3367-33ee-41aa-99f7-046eae5db431" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_08faae01-cdee-481d-afeb-063f49a268aa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f6a9edd5-2ad0-4a2f-8420-16a5014f7590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_08faae01-cdee-481d-afeb-063f49a268aa" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_a31b3302-3612-4a70-8745-64d03e35fa81" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f6a9edd5-2ad0-4a2f-8420-16a5014f7590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_a31b3302-3612-4a70-8745-64d03e35fa81" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_2a49d43b-2fa2-4eb4-b3ea-47d4f493d24c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_a31b3302-3612-4a70-8745-64d03e35fa81" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_2a49d43b-2fa2-4eb4-b3ea-47d4f493d24c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2a49d43b-2fa2-4eb4-b3ea-47d4f493d24c_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_2a49d43b-2fa2-4eb4-b3ea-47d4f493d24c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2a49d43b-2fa2-4eb4-b3ea-47d4f493d24c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c103204e-6dd9-44db-bd47-286e572a3fda" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_2a49d43b-2fa2-4eb4-b3ea-47d4f493d24c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c103204e-6dd9-44db-bd47-286e572a3fda" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PassengerMember_74c51c6f-37cb-42dd-b498-db423865101d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PassengerMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c103204e-6dd9-44db-bd47-286e572a3fda" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PassengerMember_74c51c6f-37cb-42dd-b498-db423865101d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CargoAndFreightMember_09acb177-4a1e-4ab8-ba18-d1262c66ec4b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CargoAndFreightMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c103204e-6dd9-44db-bd47-286e572a3fda" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CargoAndFreightMember_09acb177-4a1e-4ab8-ba18-d1262c66ec4b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember_51cf04ee-c176-46b0-bd22-39b97cf5dc9e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c103204e-6dd9-44db-bd47-286e572a3fda" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember_51cf04ee-c176-46b0-bd22-39b97cf5dc9e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveLossIncome"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:type="extended" id="i62374e997c224142b32a4000f72a188e_ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveLossIncome"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" id="if0751c49861547378f3cf02c538489f5_ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c374d9cd-d2f6-47a7-818f-afdce48e85e0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_2f5e6ebc-7849-4ada-bd0f-ee92c7fba9bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c374d9cd-d2f6-47a7-818f-afdce48e85e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_2f5e6ebc-7849-4ada-bd0f-ee92c7fba9bf" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_af4f4d81-d440-43a6-8ced-9deb0a005b3b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_2f5e6ebc-7849-4ada-bd0f-ee92c7fba9bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_af4f4d81-d440-43a6-8ced-9deb0a005b3b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4a001823-b873-454d-8cc2-4eedd4b41ff1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_2f5e6ebc-7849-4ada-bd0f-ee92c7fba9bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4a001823-b873-454d-8cc2-4eedd4b41ff1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts_a6154e18-2ff8-4e53-8f7e-a3a60dfd0160" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4a001823-b873-454d-8cc2-4eedd4b41ff1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts_a6154e18-2ff8-4e53-8f7e-a3a60dfd0160" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_92035ac3-baaf-45d3-83c1-93291ef3f252" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4a001823-b873-454d-8cc2-4eedd4b41ff1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_92035ac3-baaf-45d3-83c1-93291ef3f252" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_ef6fb0cb-b012-410e-90e7-9eb9e79c4093" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4a001823-b873-454d-8cc2-4eedd4b41ff1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_ef6fb0cb-b012-410e-90e7-9eb9e79c4093" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NoncashEffectOfPensionPostretirementAndPostemploymentPaymentsGreaterLessThanExpense_26f73c24-efa8-4488-8747-ba71dcc4a87d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NoncashEffectOfPensionPostretirementAndPostemploymentPaymentsGreaterLessThanExpense"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4a001823-b873-454d-8cc2-4eedd4b41ff1" xlink:to="loc_dal_NoncashEffectOfPensionPostretirementAndPostemploymentPaymentsGreaterLessThanExpense_26f73c24-efa8-4488-8747-ba71dcc4a87d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_8a2d1a27-3bed-42bf-aa8a-a89c39083412" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairment"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4a001823-b873-454d-8cc2-4eedd4b41ff1" xlink:to="loc_dal_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_8a2d1a27-3bed-42bf-aa8a-a89c39083412" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e601dad6-08eb-4bdf-8f18-4d5d096333bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4a001823-b873-454d-8cc2-4eedd4b41ff1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e601dad6-08eb-4bdf-8f18-4d5d096333bc" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables_b47275ea-99ad-46b7-9519-1c9fe7bde95b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e601dad6-08eb-4bdf-8f18-4d5d096333bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables_b47275ea-99ad-46b7-9519-1c9fe7bde95b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_4f629af9-92c7-4817-8e36-b26af221b354" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e601dad6-08eb-4bdf-8f18-4d5d096333bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_4f629af9-92c7-4817-8e36-b26af221b354" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssets_4f1f6fea-5564-4cdb-b653-e818dbb606b8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e601dad6-08eb-4bdf-8f18-4d5d096333bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssets_4f1f6fea-5564-4cdb-b653-e818dbb606b8" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability_c3e8534f-f351-4475-b0f9-3c8180b92e60" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e601dad6-08eb-4bdf-8f18-4d5d096333bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability_c3e8534f-f351-4475-b0f9-3c8180b92e60" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_IncreaseDecreaseInProfitSharing_de556e4e-167f-4838-bf35-15b9d84b3c49" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_IncreaseDecreaseInProfitSharing"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e601dad6-08eb-4bdf-8f18-4d5d096333bc" xlink:to="loc_dal_IncreaseDecreaseInProfitSharing_de556e4e-167f-4838-bf35-15b9d84b3c49" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_07247e4d-2bda-40dd-bb38-d4fe091936f2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e601dad6-08eb-4bdf-8f18-4d5d096333bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_07247e4d-2bda-40dd-bb38-d4fe091936f2" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentLiabilities_3267af25-b1d4-47bf-a5ec-1e35d5bc0e9e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentLiabilities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e601dad6-08eb-4bdf-8f18-4d5d096333bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentLiabilities_3267af25-b1d4-47bf-a5ec-1e35d5bc0e9e" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement_a2fa70a7-53e4-4b34-b517-a09117bd8653" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_2f5e6ebc-7849-4ada-bd0f-ee92c7fba9bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement_a2fa70a7-53e4-4b34-b517-a09117bd8653" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_abf23fe5-9ea0-4f03-bf43-a0358245d77a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_2f5e6ebc-7849-4ada-bd0f-ee92c7fba9bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_abf23fe5-9ea0-4f03-bf43-a0358245d77a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8a7ca2d6-8b9f-4a35-b4ea-28db7dba614b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c374d9cd-d2f6-47a7-818f-afdce48e85e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8a7ca2d6-8b9f-4a35-b4ea-28db7dba614b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssetsAbstract_f249a29a-1c98-49fc-a414-a13b9a345ca5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssetsAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8a7ca2d6-8b9f-4a35-b4ea-28db7dba614b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssetsAbstract_f249a29a-1c98-49fc-a414-a13b9a345ca5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForFlightEquipment_3dcd5790-bd63-49c6-9c7b-3a390da1bcd2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForFlightEquipment"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssetsAbstract_f249a29a-1c98-49fc-a414-a13b9a345ca5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForFlightEquipment_3dcd5790-bd63-49c6-9c7b-3a390da1bcd2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherProductiveAssets_3edec302-6732-4214-840b-70934747ffab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherProductiveAssets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssetsAbstract_f249a29a-1c98-49fc-a414-a13b9a345ca5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherProductiveAssets_3edec302-6732-4214-840b-70934747ffab" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SaleLeasebackCashProceedsInvesting_ea415eeb-f4d2-4dbb-a666-6b3cef9e9d0a" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SaleLeasebackCashProceedsInvesting"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8a7ca2d6-8b9f-4a35-b4ea-28db7dba614b" xlink:to="loc_dal_SaleLeasebackCashProceedsInvesting_ea415eeb-f4d2-4dbb-a666-6b3cef9e9d0a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PaymentsToAcquireEquityInvestments_1a32f992-2d56-4c2b-b262-01158c8e303c" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PaymentsToAcquireEquityInvestments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8a7ca2d6-8b9f-4a35-b4ea-28db7dba614b" xlink:to="loc_dal_PaymentsToAcquireEquityInvestments_1a32f992-2d56-4c2b-b262-01158c8e303c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityInvestments_104c1b07-1641-4fd9-83d7-915f7055f106" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityInvestments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8a7ca2d6-8b9f-4a35-b4ea-28db7dba614b" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityInvestments_104c1b07-1641-4fd9-83d7-915f7055f106" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments_615352b2-ab76-4c52-a6e9-819db22f913d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8a7ca2d6-8b9f-4a35-b4ea-28db7dba614b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments_615352b2-ab76-4c52-a6e9-819db22f913d" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionOfShorttermInvestments_817888fc-ecb5-4b75-abc6-06659a98ff91" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionOfShorttermInvestments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8a7ca2d6-8b9f-4a35-b4ea-28db7dba614b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionOfShorttermInvestments_817888fc-ecb5-4b75-abc6-06659a98ff91" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_a9167115-59bd-4560-adf1-b4b714717597" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8a7ca2d6-8b9f-4a35-b4ea-28db7dba614b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_a9167115-59bd-4560-adf1-b4b714717597" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_7ddb079b-58eb-4035-9741-ba6ca156ca90" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8a7ca2d6-8b9f-4a35-b4ea-28db7dba614b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_7ddb079b-58eb-4035-9741-ba6ca156ca90" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_08429637-c6b9-45fd-98a8-5a36589a0403" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c374d9cd-d2f6-47a7-818f-afdce48e85e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_08429637-c6b9-45fd-98a8-5a36589a0403" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromShortTermDebt_6897fc57-4da2-436d-9df8-072428bc223c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromShortTermDebt"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_08429637-c6b9-45fd-98a8-5a36589a0403" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromShortTermDebt_6897fc57-4da2-436d-9df8-072428bc223c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_ce878d08-f6a2-41a7-811b-c8fee018209d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_08429637-c6b9-45fd-98a8-5a36589a0403" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_ce878d08-f6a2-41a7-811b-c8fee018209d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SaleLeasebackCashProceedsFinancing_475f6927-1086-46a9-b271-483d4a827387" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SaleLeasebackCashProceedsFinancing"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_08429637-c6b9-45fd-98a8-5a36589a0403" xlink:to="loc_dal_SaleLeasebackCashProceedsFinancing_475f6927-1086-46a9-b271-483d4a827387" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities_270f161c-5ee1-4249-92f5-69c682005cf6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_08429637-c6b9-45fd-98a8-5a36589a0403" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities_270f161c-5ee1-4249-92f5-69c682005cf6" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_0b942d85-d829-4aee-a867-43b0f3c1b029" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_08429637-c6b9-45fd-98a8-5a36589a0403" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_0b942d85-d829-4aee-a867-43b0f3c1b029" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_444d124d-3f96-4f2f-b283-0ea3f73fb4f1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_08429637-c6b9-45fd-98a8-5a36589a0403" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_444d124d-3f96-4f2f-b283-0ea3f73fb4f1" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProceedsFromPurchasingCard_354e8122-1803-4463-a824-8064dbaf2b1d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProceedsFromPurchasingCard"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_08429637-c6b9-45fd-98a8-5a36589a0403" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProceedsFromPurchasingCard_354e8122-1803-4463-a824-8064dbaf2b1d" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_RepaymentsOfPurchasingCard_c9adb993-51c2-4188-b059-2cb0a45595d9" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_RepaymentsOfPurchasingCard"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_08429637-c6b9-45fd-98a8-5a36589a0403" xlink:to="loc_dal_RepaymentsOfPurchasingCard_c9adb993-51c2-4188-b059-2cb0a45595d9" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_ce994f71-06be-473f-bab2-025bac6717a5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_08429637-c6b9-45fd-98a8-5a36589a0403" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_ce994f71-06be-473f-bab2-025bac6717a5" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_43d92d3a-be38-4db2-8592-ae38dcb73929" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_08429637-c6b9-45fd-98a8-5a36589a0403" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_43d92d3a-be38-4db2-8592-ae38dcb73929" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_e6d9f858-1aee-482e-8bda-081b1e12f2f5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c374d9cd-d2f6-47a7-818f-afdce48e85e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_e6d9f858-1aee-482e-8bda-081b1e12f2f5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_6e2f5880-8c1c-45e8-b6c4-fba34a96e213" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c374d9cd-d2f6-47a7-818f-afdce48e85e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_6e2f5880-8c1c-45e8-b6c4-fba34a96e213" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_3c8b435f-e41e-4160-b2bc-25facd448ae6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_caa475c9-8fbf-4d5d-9445-92836af2fe14" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c374d9cd-d2f6-47a7-818f-afdce48e85e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_caa475c9-8fbf-4d5d-9445-92836af2fe14" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_fea79a91-80d1-477c-b965-c57c802ec41f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c374d9cd-d2f6-47a7-818f-afdce48e85e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_fea79a91-80d1-477c-b965-c57c802ec41f" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_bfe37373-6a6e-4261-ad4c-753bb8890549" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_fea79a91-80d1-477c-b965-c57c802ec41f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_bfe37373-6a6e-4261-ad4c-753bb8890549" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability_8752cfcd-b278-4300-a284-4c48381b1c57" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_fea79a91-80d1-477c-b965-c57c802ec41f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability_8752cfcd-b278-4300-a284-4c48381b1c57" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_OperatingLeaseConvertedToFinanceLease_02c6b3d8-6e6b-4707-82f5-374983d3c616" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_OperatingLeaseConvertedToFinanceLease"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_fea79a91-80d1-477c-b965-c57c802ec41f" xlink:to="loc_dal_OperatingLeaseConvertedToFinanceLease_02c6b3d8-6e6b-4707-82f5-374983d3c616" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_d976d3d0-9c8a-4f63-ad52-dae60a3166c9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c374d9cd-d2f6-47a7-818f-afdce48e85e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_d976d3d0-9c8a-4f63-ad52-dae60a3166c9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_70027a1e-9b32-4017-8ee7-0e9fe7b81df2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_d976d3d0-9c8a-4f63-ad52-dae60a3166c9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_70027a1e-9b32-4017-8ee7-0e9fe7b81df2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_70027a1e-9b32-4017-8ee7-0e9fe7b81df2_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_70027a1e-9b32-4017-8ee7-0e9fe7b81df2" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_70027a1e-9b32-4017-8ee7-0e9fe7b81df2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_7c86f9b3-6523-40e6-b8a2-a29dc7503fc0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_70027a1e-9b32-4017-8ee7-0e9fe7b81df2" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_7c86f9b3-6523-40e6-b8a2-a29dc7503fc0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PassengerAirTrafficMember_ec9629ef-1d9b-4bde-86e7-5c2b97de8a88" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PassengerAirTrafficMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_7c86f9b3-6523-40e6-b8a2-a29dc7503fc0" xlink:to="loc_dal_PassengerAirTrafficMember_ec9629ef-1d9b-4bde-86e7-5c2b97de8a88" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProductAndServiceOtherLoyaltyProgramMember_9fcbabeb-0969-4adc-b3b9-6f82b78b0443" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProductAndServiceOtherLoyaltyProgramMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_7c86f9b3-6523-40e6-b8a2-a29dc7503fc0" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProductAndServiceOtherLoyaltyProgramMember_9fcbabeb-0969-4adc-b3b9-6f82b78b0443" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquity"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" id="i257f738066ae479988fcc85e85a1b48e_ConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquity">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6aa0192f-b932-4748-852b-22cfb4d813c9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6aa0192f-b932-4748-852b-22cfb4d813c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_1f714806-8aec-4643-a3ce-54e7a0528dd5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_1f714806-8aec-4643-a3ce-54e7a0528dd5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_ec3b7e52-08c2-444f-84ed-d2429d26eec0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_ec3b7e52-08c2-444f-84ed-d2429d26eec0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_68e1ad98-4fd8-4417-85db-4321a7784650" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_68e1ad98-4fd8-4417-85db-4321a7784650" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Dividends_e74cd98c-2ca4-485d-b07a-58c8862c5ca8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Dividends"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Dividends_e74cd98c-2ca4-485d-b07a-58c8862c5ca8" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_54bdf192-e8ee-4834-927d-48f467d85cde" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_54bdf192-e8ee-4834-927d-48f467d85cde" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_79341a4c-c61f-4cf1-b4b1-927d6fc69459" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_79341a4c-c61f-4cf1-b4b1-927d6fc69459" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_610d80eb-ddfa-42fe-a7e9-4f6a40b476af" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_610d80eb-ddfa-42fe-a7e9-4f6a40b476af" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_3f2cc5f2-1a55-43c1-967a-08f462da881f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_3f2cc5f2-1a55-43c1-967a-08f462da881f" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_7e632d91-238a-4531-8256-a1f586e081e0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_7e632d91-238a-4531-8256-a1f586e081e0" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_6cd9d306-a596-4832-9715-172de0796f9c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_6cd9d306-a596-4832-9715-172de0796f9c" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_3c94dc92-e040-4a75-a94c-52a691018788" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_3c94dc92-e040-4a75-a94c-52a691018788" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued_3e6080fa-8220-4095-86ad-75d6db4de033" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_44eef14a-1b4f-4665-8149-6de3fb43c4d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued_3e6080fa-8220-4095-86ad-75d6db4de033" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_94a592de-f517-4bdc-ae3f-a387e4bcf367" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_49380482-0e85-4396-b82e-6de0c6fc5ae6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9d813a71-77a3-49bd-8912-71ab41161d60" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6aa0192f-b932-4748-852b-22cfb4d813c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9d813a71-77a3-49bd-8912-71ab41161d60" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_841aa97e-e0d5-4388-802d-55a43e9aed90" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9d813a71-77a3-49bd-8912-71ab41161d60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_841aa97e-e0d5-4388-802d-55a43e9aed90" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_841aa97e-e0d5-4388-802d-55a43e9aed90_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_841aa97e-e0d5-4388-802d-55a43e9aed90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_841aa97e-e0d5-4388-802d-55a43e9aed90_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5a91bbfd-7545-42b1-803a-e80d5cfe2caa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_841aa97e-e0d5-4388-802d-55a43e9aed90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5a91bbfd-7545-42b1-803a-e80d5cfe2caa" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_63db63c0-caf5-443c-8b0a-4cfe5ffb2f0c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5a91bbfd-7545-42b1-803a-e80d5cfe2caa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_63db63c0-caf5-443c-8b0a-4cfe5ffb2f0c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_8796f540-b956-4849-a5fe-cf8aeae1a538" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5a91bbfd-7545-42b1-803a-e80d5cfe2caa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_8796f540-b956-4849-a5fe-cf8aeae1a538" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_968079ce-afcc-49ff-b600-16626f4c8d0b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5a91bbfd-7545-42b1-803a-e80d5cfe2caa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_968079ce-afcc-49ff-b600-16626f4c8d0b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6b5d8b12-77f8-4e74-85e1-81f8197c9ff6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5a91bbfd-7545-42b1-803a-e80d5cfe2caa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6b5d8b12-77f8-4e74-85e1-81f8197c9ff6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_c4e17d22-35eb-43eb-a128-76be62f04732" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5a91bbfd-7545-42b1-803a-e80d5cfe2caa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_c4e17d22-35eb-43eb-a128-76be62f04732" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_0096c373-93c4-4ad8-8cb8-25bb90d71df2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9d813a71-77a3-49bd-8912-71ab41161d60" xlink:to="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_0096c373-93c4-4ad8-8cb8-25bb90d71df2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_0096c373-93c4-4ad8-8cb8-25bb90d71df2_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_0096c373-93c4-4ad8-8cb8-25bb90d71df2" xlink:to="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_0096c373-93c4-4ad8-8cb8-25bb90d71df2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_ea2a36b6-a18c-4f27-987c-d1d8531efb36" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_0096c373-93c4-4ad8-8cb8-25bb90d71df2" xlink:to="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_ea2a36b6-a18c-4f27-987c-d1d8531efb36" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember_661fbe57-368d-4f5a-84fa-1d9c6638c1e2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_ea2a36b6-a18c-4f27-987c-d1d8531efb36" xlink:to="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember_661fbe57-368d-4f5a-84fa-1d9c6638c1e2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquityParenthetical"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" id="i1db253f073124c1aaed1cf7642d1f4d7_ConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquityParenthetical"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" id="iadecb4d1ffe14969a13f00daac1081c8_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" id="id047040299aa49fb816e39e8f01e34e8_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" id="i6ddeb2f976d4459e89d994f746ce2a1b_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i6805cf23a15747cdbc9a29b5d732ecc2_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_25eb84ff-3299-42fd-bc03-0dfcd5d61526" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_ca8c206b-b93c-42a8-b03a-ce966f370d76" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_25eb84ff-3299-42fd-bc03-0dfcd5d61526" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_ca8c206b-b93c-42a8-b03a-ce966f370d76" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_99f5b5d3-c808-4ab9-9249-6b5a246f8920" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_25eb84ff-3299-42fd-bc03-0dfcd5d61526" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_99f5b5d3-c808-4ab9-9249-6b5a246f8920" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ResidualValuesForOwnedSparePartsAsPercentageOfCost_0583ac36-2887-4574-a622-cf0c27172ed2" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ResidualValuesForOwnedSparePartsAsPercentageOfCost"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_25eb84ff-3299-42fd-bc03-0dfcd5d61526" xlink:to="loc_dal_ResidualValuesForOwnedSparePartsAsPercentageOfCost_0583ac36-2887-4574-a622-cf0c27172ed2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_29679f6f-c92e-4367-899d-856bf7698d05" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_25eb84ff-3299-42fd-bc03-0dfcd5d61526" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_29679f6f-c92e-4367-899d-856bf7698d05" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareAmortization1_5e9858ad-bad4-47d8-ba91-99ff7b31c733" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareAmortization1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_25eb84ff-3299-42fd-bc03-0dfcd5d61526" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareAmortization1_5e9858ad-bad4-47d8-ba91-99ff7b31c733" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareNet_8fd2afe8-0cf6-4c4b-8517-ed0ae08a403b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_25eb84ff-3299-42fd-bc03-0dfcd5d61526" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareNet_8fd2afe8-0cf6-4c4b-8517-ed0ae08a403b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_fc0b52a6-65b9-402e-a7b9-3f87c1a1e60b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_25eb84ff-3299-42fd-bc03-0dfcd5d61526" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_fc0b52a6-65b9-402e-a7b9-3f87c1a1e60b" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermNonBankLoansAndNotesPayable_a5e9ab38-7b5b-41af-97ef-67ce70daa2a0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermNonBankLoansAndNotesPayable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_25eb84ff-3299-42fd-bc03-0dfcd5d61526" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermNonBankLoansAndNotesPayable_a5e9ab38-7b5b-41af-97ef-67ce70daa2a0" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense_39a56b07-a7e5-412d-bc6f-cd496cd7a6ee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_25eb84ff-3299-42fd-bc03-0dfcd5d61526" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense_39a56b07-a7e5-412d-bc6f-cd496cd7a6ee" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_93ded7a4-2780-4a85-9e0e-15cec1e94a94" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_25eb84ff-3299-42fd-bc03-0dfcd5d61526" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_93ded7a4-2780-4a85-9e0e-15cec1e94a94" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_7e4a243e-313a-4822-b43d-a0d387c01d5b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_93ded7a4-2780-4a85-9e0e-15cec1e94a94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_7e4a243e-313a-4822-b43d-a0d387c01d5b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_7e4a243e-313a-4822-b43d-a0d387c01d5b_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_7e4a243e-313a-4822-b43d-a0d387c01d5b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_7e4a243e-313a-4822-b43d-a0d387c01d5b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4422e683-b12b-4e4f-bc60-0ca06118f854" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_7e4a243e-313a-4822-b43d-a0d387c01d5b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4422e683-b12b-4e4f-bc60-0ca06118f854" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_6a9265f5-16dc-479d-b5f2-8bf21882700a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4422e683-b12b-4e4f-bc60-0ca06118f854" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_6a9265f5-16dc-479d-b5f2-8bf21882700a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_c29f536f-1837-4fde-98e0-25fac4cfb9e7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_93ded7a4-2780-4a85-9e0e-15cec1e94a94" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_c29f536f-1837-4fde-98e0-25fac4cfb9e7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_c29f536f-1837-4fde-98e0-25fac4cfb9e7_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_c29f536f-1837-4fde-98e0-25fac4cfb9e7" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_c29f536f-1837-4fde-98e0-25fac4cfb9e7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_9b2fe331-5b28-432a-9ed4-777d2d39b9af" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_c29f536f-1837-4fde-98e0-25fac4cfb9e7" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_9b2fe331-5b28-432a-9ed4-777d2d39b9af" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_0e10b76a-ecff-4477-be0e-dc9e53ac3b5d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_9b2fe331-5b28-432a-9ed4-777d2d39b9af" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_0e10b76a-ecff-4477-be0e-dc9e53ac3b5d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_171cfd94-52f9-4363-a8d6-814b7280c1a9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_9b2fe331-5b28-432a-9ed4-777d2d39b9af" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_171cfd94-52f9-4363-a8d6-814b7280c1a9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1866df48-8993-41d9-afe0-9cb0c26fde2e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_93ded7a4-2780-4a85-9e0e-15cec1e94a94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1866df48-8993-41d9-afe0-9cb0c26fde2e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1866df48-8993-41d9-afe0-9cb0c26fde2e_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1866df48-8993-41d9-afe0-9cb0c26fde2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1866df48-8993-41d9-afe0-9cb0c26fde2e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_dbcfa884-d563-4ed6-a0b8-9b2a3a2e624d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1866df48-8993-41d9-afe0-9cb0c26fde2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_dbcfa884-d563-4ed6-a0b8-9b2a3a2e624d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_FuelCardObligationMember_7f33e822-0859-4d39-9760-a401e0ac2e19" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_FuelCardObligationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_dbcfa884-d563-4ed6-a0b8-9b2a3a2e624d" xlink:to="loc_dal_FuelCardObligationMember_7f33e822-0859-4d39-9760-a401e0ac2e19" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyandEquipmentnetDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyandEquipmentnetDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyandEquipmentnetDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ic522c81016b34a0d90d3846111d59636_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyandEquipmentnetDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_275ad4b3-ce67-4f24-bc54-31a0264a967d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_ee71e797-98a2-4fef-aefd-6a85eb22d4bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_275ad4b3-ce67-4f24-bc54-31a0264a967d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_ee71e797-98a2-4fef-aefd-6a85eb22d4bd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_4e79b909-8a82-47eb-b0e4-9c1ed8f99f04" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_275ad4b3-ce67-4f24-bc54-31a0264a967d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_4e79b909-8a82-47eb-b0e4-9c1ed8f99f04" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_d49e548b-d6ee-45d7-8549-78fa3096fc17" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_275ad4b3-ce67-4f24-bc54-31a0264a967d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_d49e548b-d6ee-45d7-8549-78fa3096fc17" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_ab02fe0c-1dd0-447e-a02b-b59495e2f1af" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_275ad4b3-ce67-4f24-bc54-31a0264a967d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_ab02fe0c-1dd0-447e-a02b-b59495e2f1af" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_a7cbe359-0832-48a1-9185-747b5680e2d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_275ad4b3-ce67-4f24-bc54-31a0264a967d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_a7cbe359-0832-48a1-9185-747b5680e2d7" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_96a30eed-4a49-4630-a0e7-b2374e01aff9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_a7cbe359-0832-48a1-9185-747b5680e2d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_96a30eed-4a49-4630-a0e7-b2374e01aff9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_96a30eed-4a49-4630-a0e7-b2374e01aff9_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_96a30eed-4a49-4630-a0e7-b2374e01aff9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_96a30eed-4a49-4630-a0e7-b2374e01aff9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_95b1565f-1fde-4c4f-a3b9-a835750eea51" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_96a30eed-4a49-4630-a0e7-b2374e01aff9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_95b1565f-1fde-4c4f-a3b9-a835750eea51" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FlightEquipmentMember_d809b0c7-37be-4e95-9c95-011668b14150" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FlightEquipmentMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_95b1565f-1fde-4c4f-a3b9-a835750eea51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FlightEquipmentMember_d809b0c7-37be-4e95-9c95-011668b14150" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_GroundPropertyAndEquipmentMember_e56102c2-e15e-4a34-878f-57e103f226ff" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_GroundPropertyAndEquipmentMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_95b1565f-1fde-4c4f-a3b9-a835750eea51" xlink:to="loc_dal_GroundPropertyAndEquipmentMember_e56102c2-e15e-4a34-878f-57e103f226ff" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_InformationTechnologyRelatedAssetsMember_e31be78f-4103-44cb-a789-c47bfe7b8de6" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_InformationTechnologyRelatedAssetsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_95b1565f-1fde-4c4f-a3b9-a835750eea51" xlink:to="loc_dal_InformationTechnologyRelatedAssetsMember_e31be78f-4103-44cb-a789-c47bfe7b8de6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_FlightAndGroundEquipmentUnderFinanceLeaseMember_1d23dc23-61d3-4d6a-920d-eae547ab2e7c" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_FlightAndGroundEquipmentUnderFinanceLeaseMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_95b1565f-1fde-4c4f-a3b9-a835750eea51" xlink:to="loc_dal_FlightAndGroundEquipmentUnderFinanceLeaseMember_1d23dc23-61d3-4d6a-920d-eae547ab2e7c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AdvancePaymentsForEquipmentMember_6342ef72-d65c-4fc7-b720-ece2af11a130" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AdvancePaymentsForEquipmentMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_95b1565f-1fde-4c4f-a3b9-a835750eea51" xlink:to="loc_dal_AdvancePaymentsForEquipmentMember_6342ef72-d65c-4fc7-b720-ece2af11a130" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_4fbcc669-0045-4bef-a99c-c8b647275327" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_a7cbe359-0832-48a1-9185-747b5680e2d7" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_4fbcc669-0045-4bef-a99c-c8b647275327" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_4fbcc669-0045-4bef-a99c-c8b647275327_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_4fbcc669-0045-4bef-a99c-c8b647275327" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_4fbcc669-0045-4bef-a99c-c8b647275327_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_e43b2744-6423-4df3-a3ea-229ba5855e80" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_4fbcc669-0045-4bef-a99c-c8b647275327" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_e43b2744-6423-4df3-a3ea-229ba5855e80" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_1d11694c-2660-43b6-aa19-9a277ecce920" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_e43b2744-6423-4df3-a3ea-229ba5855e80" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_1d11694c-2660-43b6-aa19-9a277ecce920" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_f489803b-425b-4b5c-90a8-60f8ce48e0d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_e43b2744-6423-4df3-a3ea-229ba5855e80" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_f489803b-425b-4b5c-90a8-60f8ce48e0d7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashCashEquivalentsandRestrictedCashReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashCashEquivalentsandRestrictedCashReconciliationDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashCashEquivalentsandRestrictedCashReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i52bc782c4ed54d3cbe5a092f62b1a668_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashCashEquivalentsandRestrictedCashReconciliationDetails"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ImpactoftheCOVID19Pandemic" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ImpactoftheCOVID19Pandemic"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ImpactoftheCOVID19Pandemic" xlink:type="extended" id="ie6bef1eb1127433b93f3f63823e623b4_ImpactoftheCOVID19Pandemic"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicTables" xlink:type="extended" id="i69a6f721981949559a2b4fe831a31299_ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i59bde5bddff444a48b87dbdeefe8633a_ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicNarrativeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_YearOverYearDecreaseInSystemCapacityPercentage_d0b56672-ee8a-455d-a9cc-95e11b53bb9a" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_YearOverYearDecreaseInSystemCapacityPercentage"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_YearOverYearDecreaseInSystemCapacityPercentage_d0b56672-ee8a-455d-a9cc-95e11b53bb9a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftPermanentlyRetired_fbec6c8e-7c0d-41a8-b2fd-e46fd006e440" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfAircraftPermanentlyRetired"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftPermanentlyRetired_fbec6c8e-7c0d-41a8-b2fd-e46fd006e440" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftTemporarilyParked_2e24c9e6-62ba-49e3-800f-7dab44f80b23" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfAircraftTemporarilyParked"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftTemporarilyParked_2e24c9e6-62ba-49e3-800f-7dab44f80b23" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftRemovedFromActiveService_799b6add-b2fa-4f7e-af8f-2e66f47189a0" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfAircraftRemovedFromActiveService"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftRemovedFromActiveService_799b6add-b2fa-4f7e-af8f-2e66f47189a0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsVoluntaryUnpaidLeave_9e937f8c-8d7d-4f97-8f6a-020b87b88194" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsVoluntaryUnpaidLeave"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsVoluntaryUnpaidLeave_9e937f8c-8d7d-4f97-8f6a-020b87b88194" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsNumberOfEmployeesVolunteeringForLeave_8ee0166e-085a-43cb-b369-3403948e9ce6" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsNumberOfEmployeesVolunteeringForLeave"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsNumberOfEmployeesVolunteeringForLeave_8ee0166e-085a-43cb-b369-3403948e9ce6" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfEmployeesParticipatingInVoluntaryEarlyRetirementAndSeparationPrograms_0f801021-8f06-4b67-80e9-dc48e1e3c4cc" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfEmployeesParticipatingInVoluntaryEarlyRetirementAndSeparationPrograms"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfEmployeesParticipatingInVoluntaryEarlyRetirementAndSeparationPrograms_0f801021-8f06-4b67-80e9-dc48e1e3c4cc" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsPercentageSalaryReductionChiefExecutiveOfficer_88537965-8a80-4bc1-8b4d-73a9cb26c437" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsPercentageSalaryReductionChiefExecutiveOfficer"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsPercentageSalaryReductionChiefExecutiveOfficer_88537965-8a80-4bc1-8b4d-73a9cb26c437" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsPercentageSalaryReductionCompanyOfficers_bd59f6ed-9e26-4d44-a565-48e08b1b8027" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsPercentageSalaryReductionCompanyOfficers"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsPercentageSalaryReductionCompanyOfficers_bd59f6ed-9e26-4d44-a565-48e08b1b8027" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsPercentageReductionInWorkHoursManagementAndEmployeeGroups_17d17a5c-a9e5-4ccd-89f5-697c36ca503c" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsPercentageReductionInWorkHoursManagementAndEmployeeGroups"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_EmployeeRelatedCostReductionsPercentageReductionInWorkHoursManagementAndEmployeeGroups_17d17a5c-a9e5-4ccd-89f5-697c36ca503c" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_CashCashEquivalentsShortTermInvestmentsAndAmountsAvailableUnderRevolvingCreditFacilities_8c951902-3be4-4f7a-9f9a-7810381d65d3" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_CashCashEquivalentsShortTermInvestmentsAndAmountsAvailableUnderRevolvingCreditFacilities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_CashCashEquivalentsShortTermInvestmentsAndAmountsAvailableUnderRevolvingCreditFacilities_8c951902-3be4-4f7a-9f9a-7810381d65d3" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_FinancingTransactionsCompletedAmount_d2fc295a-f84a-4e21-9169-f596468ee6be" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_FinancingTransactionsCompletedAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_FinancingTransactionsCompletedAmount_d2fc295a-f84a-4e21-9169-f596468ee6be" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProceedsFromGovernmentAssistancePayrollSupportProgramCARESAct_a03c3125-e85c-4d4f-aa14-716602f116db" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProceedsFromGovernmentAssistancePayrollSupportProgramCARESAct"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProceedsFromGovernmentAssistancePayrollSupportProgramCARESAct_a03c3125-e85c-4d4f-aa14-716602f116db" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ReductionInPlannedCapitalExpenditures_a5a43136-e2cd-44fc-9e54-e92d6405d082" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ReductionInPlannedCapitalExpenditures"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_ReductionInPlannedCapitalExpenditures_a5a43136-e2cd-44fc-9e54-e92d6405d082" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_6a115c0c-250a-4674-86a8-d0abef9f6c17" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_6a115c0c-250a-4674-86a8-d0abef9f6c17" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProceedsFromGovernmentPayrollSupportProgram_c64039d2-7eed-4643-897d-bfe33942b763" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProceedsFromGovernmentPayrollSupportProgram"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProceedsFromGovernmentPayrollSupportProgram_c64039d2-7eed-4643-897d-bfe33942b763" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleCarryingValueOfAsset_215250c3-4750-4313-8036-a27d15dcf9d9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleCarryingValueOfAsset"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleCarryingValueOfAsset_215250c3-4750-4313-8036-a27d15dcf9d9" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_54b3293b-e66b-41a9-a4c4-9389dec39488" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_efc169cf-abbc-4500-a34c-bc0fff0e5dc4" xlink:to="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_54b3293b-e66b-41a9-a4c4-9389dec39488" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationsAxis_a46a992b-d4cc-4c65-87fe-e2f1a7af8638" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AirlineDestinationsAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_54b3293b-e66b-41a9-a4c4-9389dec39488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationsAxis_a46a992b-d4cc-4c65-87fe-e2f1a7af8638" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_a46a992b-d4cc-4c65-87fe-e2f1a7af8638_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationsAxis_a46a992b-d4cc-4c65-87fe-e2f1a7af8638" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_a46a992b-d4cc-4c65-87fe-e2f1a7af8638_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_d3b911c6-f56d-4bef-b234-68f55f868367" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationsAxis_a46a992b-d4cc-4c65-87fe-e2f1a7af8638" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_d3b911c6-f56d-4bef-b234-68f55f868367" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_InternationalDestinationMember_ee142c3e-7953-4379-b8e3-710d39e0a855" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_InternationalDestinationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_d3b911c6-f56d-4bef-b234-68f55f868367" xlink:to="loc_dal_InternationalDestinationMember_ee142c3e-7953-4379-b8e3-710d39e0a855" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticDestinationMember_4b77808c-cae3-4fc8-b105-f4c6f3d2d020" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticDestinationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_d3b911c6-f56d-4bef-b234-68f55f868367" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticDestinationMember_4b77808c-cae3-4fc8-b105-f4c6f3d2d020" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_3f7f30ca-ff5b-47ec-bd1b-4d25a2c71d4e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_54b3293b-e66b-41a9-a4c4-9389dec39488" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_3f7f30ca-ff5b-47ec-bd1b-4d25a2c71d4e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_3f7f30ca-ff5b-47ec-bd1b-4d25a2c71d4e_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_3f7f30ca-ff5b-47ec-bd1b-4d25a2c71d4e" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_3f7f30ca-ff5b-47ec-bd1b-4d25a2c71d4e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_c6fe5833-0ee3-4208-a8af-1a3cd48caf2c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_3f7f30ca-ff5b-47ec-bd1b-4d25a2c71d4e" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_c6fe5833-0ee3-4208-a8af-1a3cd48caf2c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_dd5f79cc-346c-4c31-af41-19d4472fad11" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_c6fe5833-0ee3-4208-a8af-1a3cd48caf2c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_dd5f79cc-346c-4c31-af41-19d4472fad11" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_e6f8e34c-5c21-4f2c-af5f-a8809ef0bc78" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_54b3293b-e66b-41a9-a4c4-9389dec39488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_e6f8e34c-5c21-4f2c-af5f-a8809ef0bc78" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_e6f8e34c-5c21-4f2c-af5f-a8809ef0bc78_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_e6f8e34c-5c21-4f2c-af5f-a8809ef0bc78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_e6f8e34c-5c21-4f2c-af5f-a8809ef0bc78_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_36341bc4-0fdd-43fd-9a11-0609e46474ad" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_e6f8e34c-5c21-4f2c-af5f-a8809ef0bc78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_36341bc4-0fdd-43fd-9a11-0609e46474ad" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_VoluntaryEarlyRetirementAndSeparationProgramMember_6efd63b5-3159-45fc-a58c-7d28f2671e0f" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_VoluntaryEarlyRetirementAndSeparationProgramMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_36341bc4-0fdd-43fd-9a11-0609e46474ad" xlink:to="loc_dal_VoluntaryEarlyRetirementAndSeparationProgramMember_6efd63b5-3159-45fc-a58c-7d28f2671e0f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_a5814aa9-84e7-4962-bf44-89cb84afa049" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_54b3293b-e66b-41a9-a4c4-9389dec39488" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_a5814aa9-84e7-4962-bf44-89cb84afa049" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_a5814aa9-84e7-4962-bf44-89cb84afa049_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_a5814aa9-84e7-4962-bf44-89cb84afa049" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_a5814aa9-84e7-4962-bf44-89cb84afa049_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_3582babb-5445-4287-8f18-12e41d9078b7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_a5814aa9-84e7-4962-bf44-89cb84afa049" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_3582babb-5445-4287-8f18-12e41d9078b7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_3cb95ae2-3710-4555-8e48-4c6506c13e5b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_3582babb-5445-4287-8f18-12e41d9078b7" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_3cb95ae2-3710-4555-8e48-4c6506c13e5b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_7a6e1738-f5bd-4c01-a0bb-8879038aaaee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_3582babb-5445-4287-8f18-12e41d9078b7" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_7a6e1738-f5bd-4c01-a0bb-8879038aaaee" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleByTypeAxis_e1a5855b-a7fe-4dfa-9d21-08ba9bffe9e2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleByTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_54b3293b-e66b-41a9-a4c4-9389dec39488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleByTypeAxis_e1a5855b-a7fe-4dfa-9d21-08ba9bffe9e2" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleAssetNameDomain_e1a5855b-a7fe-4dfa-9d21-08ba9bffe9e2_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleAssetNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleByTypeAxis_e1a5855b-a7fe-4dfa-9d21-08ba9bffe9e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleAssetNameDomain_e1a5855b-a7fe-4dfa-9d21-08ba9bffe9e2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleAssetNameDomain_696bb9eb-755c-4212-87c8-7866207fa2bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleAssetNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleByTypeAxis_e1a5855b-a7fe-4dfa-9d21-08ba9bffe9e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleAssetNameDomain_696bb9eb-755c-4212-87c8-7866207fa2bd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_RetiredAircraftMember_edf65f7e-18b6-41be-bb04-efa1aa6e69dd" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_RetiredAircraftMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedAssetsToBeDisposedOfByMethodOtherThanSaleAssetNameDomain_696bb9eb-755c-4212-87c8-7866207fa2bd" xlink:to="loc_dal_RetiredAircraftMember_edf65f7e-18b6-41be-bb04-efa1aa6e69dd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_41e9bdbb-874c-4b34-b9bc-1f6d6be3ace8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_54b3293b-e66b-41a9-a4c4-9389dec39488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_41e9bdbb-874c-4b34-b9bc-1f6d6be3ace8" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_41e9bdbb-874c-4b34-b9bc-1f6d6be3ace8_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_41e9bdbb-874c-4b34-b9bc-1f6d6be3ace8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_41e9bdbb-874c-4b34-b9bc-1f6d6be3ace8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_a3df08d4-7c0b-424b-9909-d286654be010" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_41e9bdbb-874c-4b34-b9bc-1f6d6be3ace8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_a3df08d4-7c0b-424b-9909-d286654be010" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_bdb28ba2-95d0-4ac0-a8f5-37fef9f203c4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_a3df08d4-7c0b-424b-9909-d286654be010" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_bdb28ba2-95d0-4ac0-a8f5-37fef9f203c4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicRestructuringChargesbyCategoryDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicRestructuringChargesbyCategoryDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicRestructuringChargesbyCategoryDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="icc63a3954ecc40bb834296feed7546c4_ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicRestructuringChargesbyCategoryDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_cb158999-e2b8-4d66-a862-713524a58d90" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_cb9fea00-8f09-4949-a0bf-d21067988c39" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_cb158999-e2b8-4d66-a862-713524a58d90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_cb9fea00-8f09-4949-a0bf-d21067988c39" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_70c88e16-26fb-46d0-9c48-1a1413eb2a82" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_cb158999-e2b8-4d66-a862-713524a58d90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_70c88e16-26fb-46d0-9c48-1a1413eb2a82" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_2b6af205-4065-4584-8a33-744e6782c01e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_70c88e16-26fb-46d0-9c48-1a1413eb2a82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_2b6af205-4065-4584-8a33-744e6782c01e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2b6af205-4065-4584-8a33-744e6782c01e_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_2b6af205-4065-4584-8a33-744e6782c01e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2b6af205-4065-4584-8a33-744e6782c01e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_ff794554-4e1b-4627-a852-4d9b0bc1fe74" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_2b6af205-4065-4584-8a33-744e6782c01e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_ff794554-4e1b-4627-a852-4d9b0bc1fe74" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_FleetRetirementsMember_2756d487-3487-436a-af3a-71c5c26ab295" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_FleetRetirementsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_ff794554-4e1b-4627-a852-4d9b0bc1fe74" xlink:to="loc_dal_FleetRetirementsMember_2756d487-3487-436a-af3a-71c5c26ab295" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_VoluntaryProgramsAndOtherEmployeeBenefitChargesMember_9f83c984-88a9-4341-923a-0bd88d8b6274" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_VoluntaryProgramsAndOtherEmployeeBenefitChargesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_ff794554-4e1b-4627-a852-4d9b0bc1fe74" xlink:to="loc_dal_VoluntaryProgramsAndOtherEmployeeBenefitChargesMember_9f83c984-88a9-4341-923a-0bd88d8b6274" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_146fb454-d5e7-49d6-b30a-a3bbd43c2c62" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_ff794554-4e1b-4627-a852-4d9b0bc1fe74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_146fb454-d5e7-49d6-b30a-a3bbd43c2c62" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicFleetRetirementsbyAircraftTypeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicFleetRetirementsbyAircraftTypeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicFleetRetirementsbyAircraftTypeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i17b935e1c7044e1e9a3b5b271dd55d82_ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicFleetRetirementsbyAircraftTypeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_0b8b5ffc-a6e0-451d-82f8-5388c93b0143" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentChargesAbstract_f3ff7558-f60b-41c2-b5eb-427c789eb0c4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentChargesAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_0b8b5ffc-a6e0-451d-82f8-5388c93b0143" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentChargesAbstract_f3ff7558-f60b-41c2-b5eb-427c789eb0c4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftToBeRetired_c14d5972-dcad-4166-9320-df1a6b75af29" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfAircraftToBeRetired"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentChargesAbstract_f3ff7558-f60b-41c2-b5eb-427c789eb0c4" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftToBeRetired_c14d5972-dcad-4166-9320-df1a6b75af29" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_60b7c3a2-a02e-4835-b99f-f4a44dc636f7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentChargesAbstract_f3ff7558-f60b-41c2-b5eb-427c789eb0c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_60b7c3a2-a02e-4835-b99f-f4a44dc636f7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAcceleratedDepreciation_0dcc1f30-33b1-4824-9158-d361e845ddf5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAcceleratedDepreciation"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentChargesAbstract_f3ff7558-f60b-41c2-b5eb-427c789eb0c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAcceleratedDepreciation_0dcc1f30-33b1-4824-9158-d361e845ddf5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_23a6df33-bb04-43f0-b702-c5e8b3d47112" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_0b8b5ffc-a6e0-451d-82f8-5388c93b0143" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_23a6df33-bb04-43f0-b702-c5e8b3d47112" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_28d37bb9-e7f4-44c7-a901-eddc1a667fef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_23a6df33-bb04-43f0-b702-c5e8b3d47112" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_28d37bb9-e7f4-44c7-a901-eddc1a667fef" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_28d37bb9-e7f4-44c7-a901-eddc1a667fef_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_28d37bb9-e7f4-44c7-a901-eddc1a667fef" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_28d37bb9-e7f4-44c7-a901-eddc1a667fef_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_e45d535a-2e0a-477d-bee5-992094df35b9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_28d37bb9-e7f4-44c7-a901-eddc1a667fef" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_e45d535a-2e0a-477d-bee5-992094df35b9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_B777Member_8a311d94-91cd-4593-b0e4-353255694c9e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_B777Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_e45d535a-2e0a-477d-bee5-992094df35b9" xlink:to="loc_srt_B777Member_8a311d94-91cd-4593-b0e4-353255694c9e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_B767300ERMember_fe6713d6-feb0-4959-b4b4-9c64c4353bec" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_B767300ERMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_e45d535a-2e0a-477d-bee5-992094df35b9" xlink:to="loc_dal_B767300ERMember_fe6713d6-feb0-4959-b4b4-9c64c4353bec" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_B717Member_86f5cc6b-5c50-4c66-9a99-b7899190962c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_B717Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_e45d535a-2e0a-477d-bee5-992094df35b9" xlink:to="loc_srt_B717Member_86f5cc6b-5c50-4c66-9a99-b7899190962c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_MD90Member_77594207-cf56-4f88-89ec-09aae649da12" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_MD90Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_e45d535a-2e0a-477d-bee5-992094df35b9" xlink:to="loc_dal_MD90Member_77594207-cf56-4f88-89ec-09aae649da12" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CRJ200Member_9691ce4c-9662-4ba7-a044-10d3d46c7205" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CRJ200Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_e45d535a-2e0a-477d-bee5-992094df35b9" xlink:to="loc_srt_CRJ200Member_9691ce4c-9662-4ba7-a044-10d3d46c7205" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_B737700Member_dbdf76ad-b57b-42de-826e-f587902fcb3f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_B737700Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_e45d535a-2e0a-477d-bee5-992094df35b9" xlink:to="loc_srt_B737700Member_dbdf76ad-b57b-42de-826e-f587902fcb3f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_A320Member_f6415500-cd2f-4bfe-86c6-2df9a81daef7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_A320Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_e45d535a-2e0a-477d-bee5-992094df35b9" xlink:to="loc_srt_A320Member_f6415500-cd2f-4bfe-86c6-2df9a81daef7" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_MD88Member_9f94f50c-6627-46c2-95d1-f08670fe28dc" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_MD88Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_e45d535a-2e0a-477d-bee5-992094df35b9" xlink:to="loc_dal_MD88Member_9f94f50c-6627-46c2-95d1-f08670fe28dc" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicGovernmentSupportProgramsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicGovernmentSupportProgramsDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicGovernmentSupportProgramsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ieb06fe17b78b4e2884e5fb2fc56db56d_ImpactoftheCOVID19PandemicGovernmentSupportProgramsDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ReliefReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgramCARESAct_9e084545-f6de-41ec-9e76-9d1594d22baa" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ReliefReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgramCARESAct"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_ReliefReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgramCARESAct_9e084545-f6de-41ec-9e76-9d1594d22baa" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_GrantPaymentsReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgramCARESAct_4f8e2874-c468-4d45-a104-38e185defac8" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_GrantPaymentsReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgramCARESAct"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_GrantPaymentsReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgramCARESAct_4f8e2874-c468-4d45-a104-38e185defac8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentLoanPerAgreementThroughPayrollSupportProgramOfCARESAct_379b9998-301e-4435-8dd9-ca793391d96b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DebtInstrumentLoanPerAgreementThroughPayrollSupportProgramOfCARESAct"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentLoanPerAgreementThroughPayrollSupportProgramOfCARESAct_379b9998-301e-4435-8dd9-ca793391d96b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_041011c1-d57b-4d2d-bdbb-98ae1b6d95fc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_041011c1-d57b-4d2d-bdbb-98ae1b6d95fc" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod_f3e79463-6ff5-4ab7-b553-212f22e931ea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod_f3e79463-6ff5-4ab7-b553-212f22e931ea" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_69c859e2-bb82-4f2e-825f-460e45acec4f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_69c859e2-bb82-4f2e-825f-460e45acec4f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_fa19dbbb-a450-4413-b21b-15787a06c935" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_fa19dbbb-a450-4413-b21b-15787a06c935" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ClassOfWarrantOrRightSharesCalledByWarrantsAsPercentageOfOutstandingShares_4e265ca9-0e5d-4f57-b2d2-ab7979699fee" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ClassOfWarrantOrRightSharesCalledByWarrantsAsPercentageOfOutstandingShares"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_ClassOfWarrantOrRightSharesCalledByWarrantsAsPercentageOfOutstandingShares_4e265ca9-0e5d-4f57-b2d2-ab7979699fee" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_a5ebd274-549d-4706-a1d2-dce248b979b5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_a5ebd274-549d-4706-a1d2-dce248b979b5" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTerm_e4063973-37de-49c2-a352-5353975cae08" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTerm"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTerm_e4063973-37de-49c2-a352-5353975cae08" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ExpectedLiquidityRealizedThroughDeferredPayrollTaxes_e99db544-38c8-4bb1-a423-90a038f93867" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ExpectedLiquidityRealizedThroughDeferredPayrollTaxes"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_ExpectedLiquidityRealizedThroughDeferredPayrollTaxes_e99db544-38c8-4bb1-a423-90a038f93867" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProceedsFromGovernmentPayrollSupportProgram_94c686ea-ecc1-4aa6-ac20-f202de67b2a9" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProceedsFromGovernmentPayrollSupportProgram"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProceedsFromGovernmentPayrollSupportProgram_94c686ea-ecc1-4aa6-ac20-f202de67b2a9" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_GrantPaymentsReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgram_13c9f0a2-6c1a-4a44-958a-8413bee072ff" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_GrantPaymentsReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgram"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_GrantPaymentsReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgram_13c9f0a2-6c1a-4a44-958a-8413bee072ff" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentLoanPerAgreementThroughPayrollSupportProgram_18f5a21e-12c1-4e2d-ae49-2d2789eab5fa" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DebtInstrumentLoanPerAgreementThroughPayrollSupportProgram"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentLoanPerAgreementThroughPayrollSupportProgram_18f5a21e-12c1-4e2d-ae49-2d2789eab5fa" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SupportReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgram_6bc45dde-2dfb-4581-96b8-4814af0624f8" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SupportReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgram"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_SupportReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgram_6bc45dde-2dfb-4581-96b8-4814af0624f8" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_GrantPaymentsAsPercentageOfTotalPaymentsReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgram_7f787b69-a20e-4da0-9bbb-a8702bb9bd42" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_GrantPaymentsAsPercentageOfTotalPaymentsReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgram"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_GrantPaymentsAsPercentageOfTotalPaymentsReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgram_7f787b69-a20e-4da0-9bbb-a8702bb9bd42" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_UnsecuredLoansAsPercentageOfTotalPaymentsReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgram_e73618bb-ff80-480f-b706-c2e639d1a389" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_UnsecuredLoansAsPercentageOfTotalPaymentsReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgram"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_UnsecuredLoansAsPercentageOfTotalPaymentsReceivedThroughPayrollSupportProgram_e73618bb-ff80-480f-b706-c2e639d1a389" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_f0a2c4bc-c830-452f-b5cf-40b7c1f8c2fc" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicLineItems_a537eccf-e9b0-400c-a27c-806c47c3b3ea" xlink:to="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_f0a2c4bc-c830-452f-b5cf-40b7c1f8c2fc" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_35e2499d-cea8-4155-885d-a7be41301e3c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_f0a2c4bc-c830-452f-b5cf-40b7c1f8c2fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_35e2499d-cea8-4155-885d-a7be41301e3c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_35e2499d-cea8-4155-885d-a7be41301e3c_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_35e2499d-cea8-4155-885d-a7be41301e3c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_35e2499d-cea8-4155-885d-a7be41301e3c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2fb5a04f-bfa3-4dc3-8e85-b59301e55856" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_35e2499d-cea8-4155-885d-a7be41301e3c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2fb5a04f-bfa3-4dc3-8e85-b59301e55856" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_9a3a616b-1b8b-468e-b63d-ec112c082ccc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2fb5a04f-bfa3-4dc3-8e85-b59301e55856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_9a3a616b-1b8b-468e-b63d-ec112c082ccc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9f1ba98e-18d5-4c25-947b-d09483630f08" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_f0a2c4bc-c830-452f-b5cf-40b7c1f8c2fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9f1ba98e-18d5-4c25-947b-d09483630f08" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9f1ba98e-18d5-4c25-947b-d09483630f08_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9f1ba98e-18d5-4c25-947b-d09483630f08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9f1ba98e-18d5-4c25-947b-d09483630f08_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_c47e47c2-8548-431a-b4e8-6c8e1467278c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9f1ba98e-18d5-4c25-947b-d09483630f08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_c47e47c2-8548-431a-b4e8-6c8e1467278c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanCARESActMember_ad3f3c4d-430b-4d0a-9fc9-ecb379adc1a4" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanCARESActMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_c47e47c2-8548-431a-b4e8-6c8e1467278c" xlink:to="loc_dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanCARESActMember_ad3f3c4d-430b-4d0a-9fc9-ecb379adc1a4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanMember_d43be11c-822a-4c88-b88b-84d2d775c752" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_c47e47c2-8548-431a-b4e8-6c8e1467278c" xlink:to="loc_dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanMember_d43be11c-822a-4c88-b88b-84d2d775c752" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_7cc29a68-cf85-4f69-ad14-573d15041fe2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_f0a2c4bc-c830-452f-b5cf-40b7c1f8c2fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_7cc29a68-cf85-4f69-ad14-573d15041fe2" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_7cc29a68-cf85-4f69-ad14-573d15041fe2_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_7cc29a68-cf85-4f69-ad14-573d15041fe2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_7cc29a68-cf85-4f69-ad14-573d15041fe2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_4815c29f-e336-4a1b-b75c-f55076032514" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_7cc29a68-cf85-4f69-ad14-573d15041fe2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_4815c29f-e336-4a1b-b75c-f55076032514" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember_fc432011-ca32-47f3-9661-59e21e221cdc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_4815c29f-e336-4a1b-b75c-f55076032514" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember_fc432011-ca32-47f3-9661-59e21e221cdc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_6b74ca8b-924e-4282-ba72-c2d2faadc172" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_f0a2c4bc-c830-452f-b5cf-40b7c1f8c2fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_6b74ca8b-924e-4282-ba72-c2d2faadc172" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_6b74ca8b-924e-4282-ba72-c2d2faadc172_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_6b74ca8b-924e-4282-ba72-c2d2faadc172" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_6b74ca8b-924e-4282-ba72-c2d2faadc172_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_9313e42c-2b38-4f73-b7d7-21ba2fa63e91" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_6b74ca8b-924e-4282-ba72-c2d2faadc172" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_9313e42c-2b38-4f73-b7d7-21ba2fa63e91" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrantsMember_07dbf385-7a73-47ad-a3b5-eaf2cd744110" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrantsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_9313e42c-2b38-4f73-b7d7-21ba2fa63e91" xlink:to="loc_dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrantsMember_07dbf385-7a73-47ad-a3b5-eaf2cd744110" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrants2021Member_3e56eb87-e613-4e3f-9291-0dc47730c965" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrants2021Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_9313e42c-2b38-4f73-b7d7-21ba2fa63e91" xlink:to="loc_dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrants2021Member_3e56eb87-e613-4e3f-9291-0dc47730c965" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_f1079e57-6ad3-4b96-92ce-59ad0b356ea1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_f0a2c4bc-c830-452f-b5cf-40b7c1f8c2fc" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_f1079e57-6ad3-4b96-92ce-59ad0b356ea1" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_f1079e57-6ad3-4b96-92ce-59ad0b356ea1_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_f1079e57-6ad3-4b96-92ce-59ad0b356ea1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_f1079e57-6ad3-4b96-92ce-59ad0b356ea1_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_9e881338-240e-4ce4-ae58-e038f5eb980c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_f1079e57-6ad3-4b96-92ce-59ad0b356ea1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_9e881338-240e-4ce4-ae58-e038f5eb980c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_1135e70c-e8fb-4716-ae30-e0f96a571636" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_9e881338-240e-4ce4-ae58-e038f5eb980c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_1135e70c-e8fb-4716-ae30-e0f96a571636" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_ae6d1fa4-77c7-4bb3-82c6-b3d65831ef1f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dal_ImpactOfGlobalPandemicTable_f0a2c4bc-c830-452f-b5cf-40b7c1f8c2fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_ae6d1fa4-77c7-4bb3-82c6-b3d65831ef1f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_ae6d1fa4-77c7-4bb3-82c6-b3d65831ef1f_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_ae6d1fa4-77c7-4bb3-82c6-b3d65831ef1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_ae6d1fa4-77c7-4bb3-82c6-b3d65831ef1f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_424944a3-d9f8-4bbc-80b0-8d6bae90352a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_ae6d1fa4-77c7-4bb3-82c6-b3d65831ef1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_424944a3-d9f8-4bbc-80b0-8d6bae90352a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_6b8acb36-ce1e-4f4a-ab2f-0a839894fc1d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_424944a3-d9f8-4bbc-80b0-8d6bae90352a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_6b8acb36-ce1e-4f4a-ab2f-0a839894fc1d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognition" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#RevenueRecognition"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognition" xlink:type="extended" id="i282c3175ae35456eb182229e0eed71d2_RevenueRecognition"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#RevenueRecognitionTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:type="extended" id="i04f1201a8df74c7187fb81bf7b615d5f_RevenueRecognitionTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognitionPassengerRevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#RevenueRecognitionPassengerRevenueDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognitionPassengerRevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ic4ce43b299b94a2ba2c053925dc5919a_RevenueRecognitionPassengerRevenueDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_9d481a1d-0201-47d4-95f8-79e9993a5b8c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_371b020d-ac26-40d3-8b52-37e2123bdb36" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_9d481a1d-0201-47d4-95f8-79e9993a5b8c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_371b020d-ac26-40d3-8b52-37e2123bdb36" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_049189de-c607-4534-bbd7-df746d12ac31" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_9d481a1d-0201-47d4-95f8-79e9993a5b8c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_049189de-c607-4534-bbd7-df746d12ac31" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_59745004-ecad-496b-90a1-3f9a64800636" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_049189de-c607-4534-bbd7-df746d12ac31" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_59745004-ecad-496b-90a1-3f9a64800636" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_59745004-ecad-496b-90a1-3f9a64800636_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_59745004-ecad-496b-90a1-3f9a64800636" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_59745004-ecad-496b-90a1-3f9a64800636_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_ac4f8a54-a516-40b0-97b2-a97a1090a4e8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_59745004-ecad-496b-90a1-3f9a64800636" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_ac4f8a54-a516-40b0-97b2-a97a1090a4e8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PassengerMember_f24e79e8-351c-46d5-b49b-f3297e3100e5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PassengerMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_ac4f8a54-a516-40b0-97b2-a97a1090a4e8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PassengerMember_f24e79e8-351c-46d5-b49b-f3297e3100e5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PassengerAirTrafficMember_8fb803eb-e62d-42ce-814d-0da4123da240" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PassengerAirTrafficMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PassengerMember_f24e79e8-351c-46d5-b49b-f3297e3100e5" xlink:to="loc_dal_PassengerAirTrafficMember_8fb803eb-e62d-42ce-814d-0da4123da240" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PassengerLoyaltyTravelAwardsMember_3c290598-7cda-45eb-b902-03f968a3afb8" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PassengerLoyaltyTravelAwardsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PassengerMember_f24e79e8-351c-46d5-b49b-f3297e3100e5" xlink:to="loc_dal_PassengerLoyaltyTravelAwardsMember_3c290598-7cda-45eb-b902-03f968a3afb8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PassengerTravelRelatedServicesMember_fb2b4cb4-4a24-47ac-ad0f-f359678f9b0c" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PassengerTravelRelatedServicesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PassengerMember_f24e79e8-351c-46d5-b49b-f3297e3100e5" xlink:to="loc_dal_PassengerTravelRelatedServicesMember_fb2b4cb4-4a24-47ac-ad0f-f359678f9b0c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognitionNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#RevenueRecognitionNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognitionNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i32cb7e8e17cb42e9b2708b2f3476ea4e_RevenueRecognitionNarrativeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_f10e2c68-71e5-4d47-afd1-ddd7ce051c26" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRefundToCustomer_6ec4fe53-37a4-46ef-b843-35873b3e5f4e" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRefundToCustomer"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_f10e2c68-71e5-4d47-afd1-ddd7ce051c26" xlink:to="loc_dal_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRefundToCustomer_6ec4fe53-37a4-46ef-b843-35873b3e5f4e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityTravelCreditsAsPercentageOfTotalLiability_52a4d746-f5bb-442d-b50e-8591753c24c1" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityTravelCreditsAsPercentageOfTotalLiability"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_f10e2c68-71e5-4d47-afd1-ddd7ce051c26" xlink:to="loc_dal_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityTravelCreditsAsPercentageOfTotalLiability_52a4d746-f5bb-442d-b50e-8591753c24c1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_12caaec7-90c0-467c-b03e-1c368d0d7973" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_f10e2c68-71e5-4d47-afd1-ddd7ce051c26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_12caaec7-90c0-467c-b03e-1c368d0d7973" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_MileageCreditMarketingAgreementDurationMinimum_2e7c5096-3ecb-479e-bd59-49f155a868d5" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_MileageCreditMarketingAgreementDurationMinimum"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_f10e2c68-71e5-4d47-afd1-ddd7ce051c26" xlink:to="loc_dal_MileageCreditMarketingAgreementDurationMinimum_2e7c5096-3ecb-479e-bd59-49f155a868d5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_MileageCreditMarketingAgreementDurationMaximum_974c02db-1231-4888-ab54-e3f88aee1538" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_MileageCreditMarketingAgreementDurationMaximum"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_f10e2c68-71e5-4d47-afd1-ddd7ce051c26" xlink:to="loc_dal_MileageCreditMarketingAgreementDurationMaximum_974c02db-1231-4888-ab54-e3f88aee1538" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SalesOfMileageCredits_f613d8d4-b810-492b-8522-fc1e735cbb42" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SalesOfMileageCredits"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_f10e2c68-71e5-4d47-afd1-ddd7ce051c26" xlink:to="loc_dal_SalesOfMileageCredits_f613d8d4-b810-492b-8522-fc1e735cbb42" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_1edfa4d7-c086-4803-bb72-9a31140305f5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_f10e2c68-71e5-4d47-afd1-ddd7ce051c26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_1edfa4d7-c086-4803-bb72-9a31140305f5" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_MileageCreditRedemptionMajorityOfNewMilesRedemptionPeriod_3b9c95d8-8a48-426d-90a3-ec24dc805029" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_MileageCreditRedemptionMajorityOfNewMilesRedemptionPeriod"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_f10e2c68-71e5-4d47-afd1-ddd7ce051c26" xlink:to="loc_dal_MileageCreditRedemptionMajorityOfNewMilesRedemptionPeriod_3b9c95d8-8a48-426d-90a3-ec24dc805029" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_256fb554-c12e-4c3a-a2ea-c14d81cef356" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_f10e2c68-71e5-4d47-afd1-ddd7ce051c26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_256fb554-c12e-4c3a-a2ea-c14d81cef356" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_79a9e508-f752-4bef-93e8-b43d9092a6cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_256fb554-c12e-4c3a-a2ea-c14d81cef356" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_79a9e508-f752-4bef-93e8-b43d9092a6cf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_79a9e508-f752-4bef-93e8-b43d9092a6cf_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_79a9e508-f752-4bef-93e8-b43d9092a6cf" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_79a9e508-f752-4bef-93e8-b43d9092a6cf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_36a719fd-e174-4398-b06a-64b64d6b5fe8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_79a9e508-f752-4bef-93e8-b43d9092a6cf" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_36a719fd-e174-4398-b06a-64b64d6b5fe8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PassengerAirTrafficMember_338c91e3-f8b7-457a-890a-1284a5088389" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PassengerAirTrafficMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_36a719fd-e174-4398-b06a-64b64d6b5fe8" xlink:to="loc_dal_PassengerAirTrafficMember_338c91e3-f8b7-457a-890a-1284a5088389" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_54b6a4cb-4b6b-480f-8953-92de828f3b89" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_256fb554-c12e-4c3a-a2ea-c14d81cef356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_54b6a4cb-4b6b-480f-8953-92de828f3b89" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_54b6a4cb-4b6b-480f-8953-92de828f3b89_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_54b6a4cb-4b6b-480f-8953-92de828f3b89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_54b6a4cb-4b6b-480f-8953-92de828f3b89_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_98754056-d2df-4b90-bd8b-cea5fc025fd9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_54b6a4cb-4b6b-480f-8953-92de828f3b89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_98754056-d2df-4b90-bd8b-cea5fc025fd9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_636bbb88-66b3-4bdc-b7a2-44c275396e9e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_98754056-d2df-4b90-bd8b-cea5fc025fd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_636bbb88-66b3-4bdc-b7a2-44c275396e9e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_983678eb-b4a1-405f-a3dd-e706711dd020" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_256fb554-c12e-4c3a-a2ea-c14d81cef356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_983678eb-b4a1-405f-a3dd-e706711dd020" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_983678eb-b4a1-405f-a3dd-e706711dd020_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_983678eb-b4a1-405f-a3dd-e706711dd020" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_983678eb-b4a1-405f-a3dd-e706711dd020_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f799cc9b-0ba3-4ff7-ad5d-60a644cee5f3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_983678eb-b4a1-405f-a3dd-e706711dd020" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f799cc9b-0ba3-4ff7-ad5d-60a644cee5f3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SkyMilesProgramMember_4915ede4-f741-43db-80d0-a762cc910229" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SkyMilesProgramMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_f799cc9b-0ba3-4ff7-ad5d-60a644cee5f3" xlink:to="loc_dal_SkyMilesProgramMember_4915ede4-f741-43db-80d0-a762cc910229" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognitionLoyaltyProgramLiabilityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#RevenueRecognitionLoyaltyProgramLiabilityDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognitionLoyaltyProgramLiabilityDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i1c3dd995980c4c58868dd19f1ee1d016_RevenueRecognitionLoyaltyProgramLiabilityDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_e7f396e6-558a-4578-bf94-e5e055ea6fcc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityActivityRollForward_4f4de27d-8431-4d1c-b108-583810b7e3d1" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityActivityRollForward"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_e7f396e6-558a-4578-bf94-e5e055ea6fcc" xlink:to="loc_dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityActivityRollForward_4f4de27d-8431-4d1c-b108-583810b7e3d1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_05a29aa6-ab3c-40b3-b1f9-5861331a3e10" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityActivityRollForward_4f4de27d-8431-4d1c-b108-583810b7e3d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_05a29aa6-ab3c-40b3-b1f9-5861331a3e10" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityMileageCreditsEarned_40215a6c-2f35-4da1-a540-577604c7653d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityMileageCreditsEarned"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityActivityRollForward_4f4de27d-8431-4d1c-b108-583810b7e3d1" xlink:to="loc_dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityMileageCreditsEarned_40215a6c-2f35-4da1-a540-577604c7653d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityTravelMileageCreditsRedeemed_11830fc7-b5ef-433c-b033-54e145f9c3a2" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityTravelMileageCreditsRedeemed"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityActivityRollForward_4f4de27d-8431-4d1c-b108-583810b7e3d1" xlink:to="loc_dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityTravelMileageCreditsRedeemed_11830fc7-b5ef-433c-b033-54e145f9c3a2" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityNonTravelMileageCreditsRedeemed_24b41fbf-e252-4576-a277-456e50c1b66b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityNonTravelMileageCreditsRedeemed"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityActivityRollForward_4f4de27d-8431-4d1c-b108-583810b7e3d1" xlink:to="loc_dal_FrequentFlyerLiabilityNonTravelMileageCreditsRedeemed_24b41fbf-e252-4576-a277-456e50c1b66b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_33d660cf-0173-4521-bce1-e7a7e3be42c9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_362f72d0-13ea-4ea3-a954-04156d0e6943" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_e7f396e6-558a-4578-bf94-e5e055ea6fcc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_362f72d0-13ea-4ea3-a954-04156d0e6943" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_01a89804-b73d-4185-ad94-003394c46aff" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_362f72d0-13ea-4ea3-a954-04156d0e6943" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_01a89804-b73d-4185-ad94-003394c46aff" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_01a89804-b73d-4185-ad94-003394c46aff_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_01a89804-b73d-4185-ad94-003394c46aff" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_01a89804-b73d-4185-ad94-003394c46aff_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_20f090c9-2e4a-4061-8f34-3cc114dd1d5a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_01a89804-b73d-4185-ad94-003394c46aff" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_20f090c9-2e4a-4061-8f34-3cc114dd1d5a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProductAndServiceOtherLoyaltyProgramMember_b0856004-6dcf-4a13-ae1c-3ac06bd6ac74" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProductAndServiceOtherLoyaltyProgramMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_20f090c9-2e4a-4061-8f34-3cc114dd1d5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProductAndServiceOtherLoyaltyProgramMember_b0856004-6dcf-4a13-ae1c-3ac06bd6ac74" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognitionRevenuebyGeographicRegionDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#RevenueRecognitionRevenuebyGeographicRegionDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognitionRevenuebyGeographicRegionDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i62c693ecdb9e4506b3b22f95b4cb91cd_RevenueRecognitionRevenuebyGeographicRegionDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_bfe9c2bd-6b8a-4c63-b13a-4cd921ce795c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_6bf9bc84-7f69-4279-8b66-295471ccd40e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_bfe9c2bd-6b8a-4c63-b13a-4cd921ce795c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_6bf9bc84-7f69-4279-8b66-295471ccd40e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_4ade419a-79d4-4ed5-9dd3-71679f955f07" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_bfe9c2bd-6b8a-4c63-b13a-4cd921ce795c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_4ade419a-79d4-4ed5-9dd3-71679f955f07" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_35421ee2-8656-4936-987f-9b28c0164e63" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_4ade419a-79d4-4ed5-9dd3-71679f955f07" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_35421ee2-8656-4936-987f-9b28c0164e63" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_35421ee2-8656-4936-987f-9b28c0164e63_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_35421ee2-8656-4936-987f-9b28c0164e63" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_35421ee2-8656-4936-987f-9b28c0164e63_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_674d9930-5e01-4338-aac9-0d502c59028c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_35421ee2-8656-4936-987f-9b28c0164e63" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_674d9930-5e01-4338-aac9-0d502c59028c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PassengerMember_a263b726-67d6-452a-b539-a65c8cdf0a9a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PassengerMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_674d9930-5e01-4338-aac9-0d502c59028c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PassengerMember_a263b726-67d6-452a-b539-a65c8cdf0a9a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationsAxis_2d126517-f326-4c05-b371-9435a3b6e956" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AirlineDestinationsAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_4ade419a-79d4-4ed5-9dd3-71679f955f07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationsAxis_2d126517-f326-4c05-b371-9435a3b6e956" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_2d126517-f326-4c05-b371-9435a3b6e956_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationsAxis_2d126517-f326-4c05-b371-9435a3b6e956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_2d126517-f326-4c05-b371-9435a3b6e956_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_123ab761-c482-456c-a508-a27c71aff72a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationsAxis_2d126517-f326-4c05-b371-9435a3b6e956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_123ab761-c482-456c-a508-a27c71aff72a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticDestinationMember_09dd88c4-46d8-4ce1-afeb-5371d871470f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticDestinationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_123ab761-c482-456c-a508-a27c71aff72a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticDestinationMember_09dd88c4-46d8-4ce1-afeb-5371d871470f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AtlanticDestinationMember_5d20709d-689c-44ae-ad73-8559b94ea6f3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AtlanticDestinationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_123ab761-c482-456c-a508-a27c71aff72a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AtlanticDestinationMember_5d20709d-689c-44ae-ad73-8559b94ea6f3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaDestinationMember_e88f1453-68fd-4c0e-aec1-fadd96b35fe0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LatinAmericaDestinationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_123ab761-c482-456c-a508-a27c71aff72a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaDestinationMember_e88f1453-68fd-4c0e-aec1-fadd96b35fe0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PacificDestinationMember_945e4fcf-3106-4fd2-9a76-0ea03497b456" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PacificDestinationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AirlineDestinationDomain_123ab761-c482-456c-a508-a27c71aff72a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PacificDestinationMember_945e4fcf-3106-4fd2-9a76-0ea03497b456" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognitionOtherRevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#RevenueRecognitionOtherRevenueDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/RevenueRecognitionOtherRevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i726ea90a707e4b498b6f948ce854ac88_RevenueRecognitionOtherRevenueDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_d592d1ab-950a-47b6-8f02-7a8682cefed3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_ea61f540-1936-41d1-923b-73b8ad36e787" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_d592d1ab-950a-47b6-8f02-7a8682cefed3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_ea61f540-1936-41d1-923b-73b8ad36e787" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_abd10c02-34a3-4f80-8e22-e810633ca45b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_d592d1ab-950a-47b6-8f02-7a8682cefed3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_abd10c02-34a3-4f80-8e22-e810633ca45b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_4aff94af-e099-487c-9477-0f1dbbc072dc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_abd10c02-34a3-4f80-8e22-e810633ca45b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_4aff94af-e099-487c-9477-0f1dbbc072dc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4aff94af-e099-487c-9477-0f1dbbc072dc_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_4aff94af-e099-487c-9477-0f1dbbc072dc" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4aff94af-e099-487c-9477-0f1dbbc072dc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6d041be8-cc20-43ee-9db8-9373e16bf3e4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_4aff94af-e099-487c-9477-0f1dbbc072dc" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6d041be8-cc20-43ee-9db8-9373e16bf3e4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember_2c2a41d0-5ff9-4bfa-936b-14a1d0ad7f9f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6d041be8-cc20-43ee-9db8-9373e16bf3e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember_2c2a41d0-5ff9-4bfa-936b-14a1d0ad7f9f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProductAndServiceOtherAncillaryBusinessesAndRefineryMember_0ffd7d7f-d32e-4db4-9339-6f056742eb18" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProductAndServiceOtherAncillaryBusinessesAndRefineryMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember_2c2a41d0-5ff9-4bfa-936b-14a1d0ad7f9f" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProductAndServiceOtherAncillaryBusinessesAndRefineryMember_0ffd7d7f-d32e-4db4-9339-6f056742eb18" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProductAndServiceOtherLoyaltyProgramMember_872cfc0d-12ca-485c-9eaa-76d89eed1b26" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProductAndServiceOtherLoyaltyProgramMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember_2c2a41d0-5ff9-4bfa-936b-14a1d0ad7f9f" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProductAndServiceOtherLoyaltyProgramMember_872cfc0d-12ca-485c-9eaa-76d89eed1b26" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProductAndServiceOtherMiscellaneousMember_9c6b7db1-584f-4270-9b98-1d22d46daa51" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProductAndServiceOtherMiscellaneousMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember_2c2a41d0-5ff9-4bfa-936b-14a1d0ad7f9f" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProductAndServiceOtherMiscellaneousMember_9c6b7db1-584f-4270-9b98-1d22d46daa51" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#FairValueMeasurements"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" id="ibc99fceb4f3a43449956989c897f558a_FairValueMeasurements"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended" id="if342860daa50430983820fd01d5ea0ad_FairValueMeasurementsTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsonaRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsonaRecurringBasisDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsonaRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ie1ba3fd2c20a4be098294e64f1c715c9_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsonaRecurringBasisDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6e6b3039-e4f0-45ea-9d82-5080cfbc9160" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_2047411c-29db-4eb8-a506-215aa2c930f8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6e6b3039-e4f0-45ea-9d82-5080cfbc9160" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_2047411c-29db-4eb8-a506-215aa2c930f8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedInvestmentsAtFairValue_39f7f4c8-45a9-4bb4-b044-a316d774202b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedInvestmentsAtFairValue"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6e6b3039-e4f0-45ea-9d82-5080cfbc9160" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedInvestmentsAtFairValue_39f7f4c8-45a9-4bb4-b044-a316d774202b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_3e16ef0a-d541-4ea5-807d-c6f4b0ebcbcc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6e6b3039-e4f0-45ea-9d82-5080cfbc9160" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_3e16ef0a-d541-4ea5-807d-c6f4b0ebcbcc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_6f40d7b2-830a-4eb3-83d8-cd0799997d09" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6e6b3039-e4f0-45ea-9d82-5080cfbc9160" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_6f40d7b2-830a-4eb3-83d8-cd0799997d09" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_e90b0d09-07f1-4a46-9352-be04367a5e7b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6e6b3039-e4f0-45ea-9d82-5080cfbc9160" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_e90b0d09-07f1-4a46-9352-be04367a5e7b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_a20c5c02-b2af-4b58-858f-f027ebf16d4f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6e6b3039-e4f0-45ea-9d82-5080cfbc9160" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_a20c5c02-b2af-4b58-858f-f027ebf16d4f" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_f1ebfb92-d57b-4f4f-b3ed-0c7bd9166539" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_a20c5c02-b2af-4b58-858f-f027ebf16d4f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_f1ebfb92-d57b-4f4f-b3ed-0c7bd9166539" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_f1ebfb92-d57b-4f4f-b3ed-0c7bd9166539_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_f1ebfb92-d57b-4f4f-b3ed-0c7bd9166539" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_f1ebfb92-d57b-4f4f-b3ed-0c7bd9166539_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_f42ef288-3cbc-4e8d-8044-ae7bb8ccae27" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_f1ebfb92-d57b-4f4f-b3ed-0c7bd9166539" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_f42ef288-3cbc-4e8d-8044-ae7bb8ccae27" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_4b63155f-a65e-4b53-8746-a8397cf20f3e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_f42ef288-3cbc-4e8d-8044-ae7bb8ccae27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_4b63155f-a65e-4b53-8746-a8397cf20f3e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2727d8f0-4fa1-475d-b380-aa9d43818df1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_a20c5c02-b2af-4b58-858f-f027ebf16d4f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2727d8f0-4fa1-475d-b380-aa9d43818df1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2727d8f0-4fa1-475d-b380-aa9d43818df1_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2727d8f0-4fa1-475d-b380-aa9d43818df1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2727d8f0-4fa1-475d-b380-aa9d43818df1_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_f56d74df-4bdf-41e3-8190-5daf7718ce4e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2727d8f0-4fa1-475d-b380-aa9d43818df1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_f56d74df-4bdf-41e3-8190-5daf7718ce4e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_ceba1f5d-8784-474a-bf88-3eb01083b2f4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_f56d74df-4bdf-41e3-8190-5daf7718ce4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_ceba1f5d-8784-474a-bf88-3eb01083b2f4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_de05d800-7765-4b15-baa0-298269c925d0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_f56d74df-4bdf-41e3-8190-5daf7718ce4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_de05d800-7765-4b15-baa0-298269c925d0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_0caeadc9-1edd-4509-9d5b-14b91c9fe031" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_f56d74df-4bdf-41e3-8190-5daf7718ce4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_0caeadc9-1edd-4509-9d5b-14b91c9fe031" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_f6ac4062-a420-4e77-b201-5d27204df0cb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_a20c5c02-b2af-4b58-858f-f027ebf16d4f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_f6ac4062-a420-4e77-b201-5d27204df0cb" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_f6ac4062-a420-4e77-b201-5d27204df0cb_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_f6ac4062-a420-4e77-b201-5d27204df0cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_f6ac4062-a420-4e77-b201-5d27204df0cb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_76a5b8f9-2361-422c-af3e-56842dd5fea1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_f6ac4062-a420-4e77-b201-5d27204df0cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_76a5b8f9-2361-422c-af3e-56842dd5fea1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_95b2108e-edfa-45a6-8ebe-72bdb947fbd8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_76a5b8f9-2361-422c-af3e-56842dd5fea1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_95b2108e-edfa-45a6-8ebe-72bdb947fbd8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_9b5a0415-3a9b-42ea-99da-120c2e6f5aa6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_76a5b8f9-2361-422c-af3e-56842dd5fea1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_9b5a0415-3a9b-42ea-99da-120c2e6f5aa6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_64eb914e-59f1-4aac-8424-ba5d0d51cefe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_76a5b8f9-2361-422c-af3e-56842dd5fea1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_64eb914e-59f1-4aac-8424-ba5d0d51cefe" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_a3678dcd-1dac-4d5e-88c5-a583a9ff2c76" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_76a5b8f9-2361-422c-af3e-56842dd5fea1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_a3678dcd-1dac-4d5e-88c5-a583a9ff2c76" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/Investments" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#Investments"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/Investments" xlink:type="extended" id="i343d14a3e8eb4dbbb32ebfd947f6a555_Investments"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#InvestmentsTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="extended" id="i9b7e8b87b8574740acb8d7c41a9f67af_InvestmentsTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#InvestmentsNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i7c61272f7c0245b79f42513f9e9e83ee_InvestmentsNarrativeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_2c3c6d95-ecd2-44fa-af40-edde5fc2206c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_2c3c6d95-ecd2-44fa-af40-edde5fc2206c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_2399c74c-c963-44fe-a41a-22a721c9c89c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_2399c74c-c963-44fe-a41a-22a721c9c89c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_ed9263ba-de9d-4883-9d6a-8fa91b601013" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_ed9263ba-de9d-4883-9d6a-8fa91b601013" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLongtermInvestments_0b2a8915-41bd-419a-bef2-41496d4cab0e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLongtermInvestments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLongtermInvestments_0b2a8915-41bd-419a-bef2-41496d4cab0e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_StrategicAlliancePlanTenderOfferForAcquisitionPerShare_c70194f8-ca25-4bdf-a6f4-9abdaa61032d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_StrategicAlliancePlanTenderOfferForAcquisitionPerShare"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_StrategicAlliancePlanTenderOfferForAcquisitionPerShare_c70194f8-ca25-4bdf-a6f4-9abdaa61032d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_StrategicAlliancePlanAmountToBeInvestedToSupportEstablishmentOfAlliance_8179910b-1fcd-4f4f-8f92-94183a5462bd" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_StrategicAlliancePlanAmountToBeInvestedToSupportEstablishmentOfAlliance"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_StrategicAlliancePlanAmountToBeInvestedToSupportEstablishmentOfAlliance_8179910b-1fcd-4f4f-8f92-94183a5462bd" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PaymentsToSupportEstablishmentOfStrategicAlliance_668dfab5-90e9-4541-9352-c7592316f89f" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PaymentsToSupportEstablishmentOfStrategicAlliance"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_PaymentsToSupportEstablishmentOfStrategicAlliance_668dfab5-90e9-4541-9352-c7592316f89f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftAcquiredPlanned_1924792c-b5c2-49f1-bebd-7962923cd13b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfAircraftAcquiredPlanned"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftAcquiredPlanned_1924792c-b5c2-49f1-bebd-7962923cd13b" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfPurchaseCommitmentsAssumed_a0d130fa-896f-4091-ab2f-833a329226c6" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfPurchaseCommitmentsAssumed"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfPurchaseCommitmentsAssumed_a0d130fa-896f-4091-ab2f-833a329226c6" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_TotalConsiderationForLongTermInvestment_85ef6270-4543-4152-80d5-67dc7489ef0f" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_TotalConsiderationForLongTermInvestment"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_TotalConsiderationForLongTermInvestment_85ef6270-4543-4152-80d5-67dc7489ef0f" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_d822aed9-38eb-4fa5-8fd5-3705a23af409" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_d822aed9-38eb-4fa5-8fd5-3705a23af409" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired_f44e1ba8-adfd-4a3d-821d-6b8b7dc96cc2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired_f44e1ba8-adfd-4a3d-821d-6b8b7dc96cc2" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftAcquiredPlannedPriorToPurchaseAgreementTermination_6a1c030a-a6b2-4447-ab83-f418c311ac3d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfAircraftAcquiredPlannedPriorToPurchaseAgreementTermination"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftAcquiredPlannedPriorToPurchaseAgreementTermination_6a1c030a-a6b2-4447-ab83-f418c311ac3d" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_1057bd77-4ffd-46a7-b186-764cd3761744" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_1057bd77-4ffd-46a7-b186-764cd3761744" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesFVNIOwnershipPercentage_c317577c-abac-416d-ae12-33eae839bd12" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EquitySecuritiesFVNIOwnershipPercentage"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesFVNIOwnershipPercentage_c317577c-abac-416d-ae12-33eae839bd12" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_9c5d7706-3efa-4da1-a593-e08ad120ef13" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairment"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_9c5d7706-3efa-4da1-a593-e08ad120ef13" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_b411182f-e9a8-44bc-83c2-87412a5ec26a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_b411182f-e9a8-44bc-83c2-87412a5ec26a" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_edf94312-e5cd-45cf-80e4-6120b0ce252e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_edf94312-e5cd-45cf-80e4-6120b0ce252e" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EquityMethodInvestmentVotingInterestPercentageMaximumPerBylaws_ab72be74-cdf1-4c82-a822-76d6b31bca9c" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EquityMethodInvestmentVotingInterestPercentageMaximumPerBylaws"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_EquityMethodInvestmentVotingInterestPercentageMaximumPerBylaws_ab72be74-cdf1-4c82-a822-76d6b31bca9c" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable_a7acbcb1-de5e-48d1-b1bc-e5b32313096a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable_a7acbcb1-de5e-48d1-b1bc-e5b32313096a" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedParties_a45f06c5-72ab-4382-bdf3-f07794b40d97" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedParties"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedParties_a45f06c5-72ab-4382-bdf3-f07794b40d97" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentGuaranteeBorrowingsOnThirdPartyDebt_6bd9255f-f265-40ca-96eb-508c75452fa5" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DebtInstrumentGuaranteeBorrowingsOnThirdPartyDebt"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentGuaranteeBorrowingsOnThirdPartyDebt_6bd9255f-f265-40ca-96eb-508c75452fa5" xlink:type="arc" order="21"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentGuaranteeBorrowingsOnThirdPartyDebtTerm_b402d6e7-7ba2-4386-9f65-babd01c4f639" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DebtInstrumentGuaranteeBorrowingsOnThirdPartyDebtTerm"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentGuaranteeBorrowingsOnThirdPartyDebtTerm_b402d6e7-7ba2-4386-9f65-babd01c4f639" xlink:type="arc" order="22"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_FinancingReceivableIssued_289b03f8-7a10-44c4-8e6c-6fc174625f9a" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_FinancingReceivableIssued"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_FinancingReceivableIssued_289b03f8-7a10-44c4-8e6c-6fc174625f9a" xlink:type="arc" order="23"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_4c6c669e-43f6-4f24-a12e-720f06ba7baf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_4c6c669e-43f6-4f24-a12e-720f06ba7baf" xlink:type="arc" order="24"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_98659d79-3b91-47b6-924a-2a0dc893a892" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_98659d79-3b91-47b6-924a-2a0dc893a892" xlink:type="arc" order="25"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_GainOnCombiningSubsidiaryToThirdParty_a2686b8a-ea42-4af6-9360-abc86dd8f39b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_GainOnCombiningSubsidiaryToThirdParty"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_GainOnCombiningSubsidiaryToThirdParty_a2686b8a-ea42-4af6-9360-abc86dd8f39b" xlink:type="arc" order="26"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfPartiesInJointVenture_9d8d994f-22e9-461e-bf23-73d9b387286c" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfPartiesInJointVenture"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfPartiesInJointVenture_9d8d994f-22e9-461e-bf23-73d9b387286c" xlink:type="arc" order="27"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_f7679e96-b1e1-44a4-8cb7-cbb0e22f396d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_f7679e96-b1e1-44a4-8cb7-cbb0e22f396d" xlink:type="arc" order="28"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_5d2f01c5-12e3-49bb-9199-5af7b9b06608" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_a4a57ed6-e1b5-48b2-83d5-04499787a392" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_a4a57ed6-e1b5-48b2-83d5-04499787a392" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_a4a57ed6-e1b5-48b2-83d5-04499787a392_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_a4a57ed6-e1b5-48b2-83d5-04499787a392" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_a4a57ed6-e1b5-48b2-83d5-04499787a392_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_0f38efde-dc10-4248-89a7-7e7040b9831f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_a4a57ed6-e1b5-48b2-83d5-04499787a392" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_0f38efde-dc10-4248-89a7-7e7040b9831f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_TermLoanFacilityMember_25fcadbe-b47d-4402-9fb9-7261fe28a2be" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_TermLoanFacilityMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_0f38efde-dc10-4248-89a7-7e7040b9831f" xlink:to="loc_dal_TermLoanFacilityMember_25fcadbe-b47d-4402-9fb9-7261fe28a2be" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_ff3be2e7-ad81-4be9-b66f-6157fb880d09" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_ff3be2e7-ad81-4be9-b66f-6157fb880d09" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_ff3be2e7-ad81-4be9-b66f-6157fb880d09_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_ff3be2e7-ad81-4be9-b66f-6157fb880d09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_ff3be2e7-ad81-4be9-b66f-6157fb880d09_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_544ba4cd-c204-48c6-aad7-c8da6c9abbca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_ff3be2e7-ad81-4be9-b66f-6157fb880d09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_544ba4cd-c204-48c6-aad7-c8da6c9abbca" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember_45815b72-7499-466a-8466-8bfd89a14ac1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_544ba4cd-c204-48c6-aad7-c8da6c9abbca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember_45815b72-7499-466a-8466-8bfd89a14ac1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_85570099-83e5-4f92-ad67-2f778a854a27" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_85570099-83e5-4f92-ad67-2f778a854a27" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_85570099-83e5-4f92-ad67-2f778a854a27_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_85570099-83e5-4f92-ad67-2f778a854a27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_85570099-83e5-4f92-ad67-2f778a854a27_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_a6d3c677-7d65-42a1-892f-dbaf487fa9c6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_85570099-83e5-4f92-ad67-2f778a854a27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_a6d3c677-7d65-42a1-892f-dbaf487fa9c6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_f21e2b09-9bf9-4543-89ba-a1b582409a7d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_a6d3c677-7d65-42a1-892f-dbaf487fa9c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_f21e2b09-9bf9-4543-89ba-a1b582409a7d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameAxis_c34ac5f1-382c-4ccd-8f3d-fe37fbb1d3c0" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:to="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameAxis_c34ac5f1-382c-4ccd-8f3d-fe37fbb1d3c0" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_c34ac5f1-382c-4ccd-8f3d-fe37fbb1d3c0_default" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameAxis_c34ac5f1-382c-4ccd-8f3d-fe37fbb1d3c0" xlink:to="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_c34ac5f1-382c-4ccd-8f3d-fe37fbb1d3c0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_67b13e97-b728-49f1-9f1a-a31b4d54f9fe" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameAxis_c34ac5f1-382c-4ccd-8f3d-fe37fbb1d3c0" xlink:to="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_67b13e97-b728-49f1-9f1a-a31b4d54f9fe" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_LATAMAirlinesGroupSAMember_6d0e763d-d2fe-47c0-9011-2ea87b157c98" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_LATAMAirlinesGroupSAMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_67b13e97-b728-49f1-9f1a-a31b4d54f9fe" xlink:to="loc_dal_LATAMAirlinesGroupSAMember_6d0e763d-d2fe-47c0-9011-2ea87b157c98" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_GrupoAeromexicoMember_e992e851-b15d-4bb4-a45b-4e1cb2894109" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_GrupoAeromexicoMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_67b13e97-b728-49f1-9f1a-a31b4d54f9fe" xlink:to="loc_dal_GrupoAeromexicoMember_e992e851-b15d-4bb4-a45b-4e1cb2894109" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_WheelsUpMember_4c4ae09d-bef7-4133-b5dc-21c3f551de9f" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_WheelsUpMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_67b13e97-b728-49f1-9f1a-a31b4d54f9fe" xlink:to="loc_dal_WheelsUpMember_4c4ae09d-bef7-4133-b5dc-21c3f551de9f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_630b69b6-ce16-44ab-b83f-ef4a2451016a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_630b69b6-ce16-44ab-b83f-ef4a2451016a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_630b69b6-ce16-44ab-b83f-ef4a2451016a_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_630b69b6-ce16-44ab-b83f-ef4a2451016a" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_630b69b6-ce16-44ab-b83f-ef4a2451016a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_36b1f154-d695-4d32-b4a6-079943495e66" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_630b69b6-ce16-44ab-b83f-ef4a2451016a" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_36b1f154-d695-4d32-b4a6-079943495e66" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_LATAMAirlinesGroupSAMember_0b664096-9717-4c61-b481-d5b01f87dcd1" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_LATAMAirlinesGroupSAMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_36b1f154-d695-4d32-b4a6-079943495e66" xlink:to="loc_dal_LATAMAirlinesGroupSAMember_0b664096-9717-4c61-b481-d5b01f87dcd1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_LATAMAndGrupoAeromexicoMember_8d474247-75c1-4a64-810c-941534450b24" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_LATAMAndGrupoAeromexicoMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_36b1f154-d695-4d32-b4a6-079943495e66" xlink:to="loc_dal_LATAMAndGrupoAeromexicoMember_8d474247-75c1-4a64-810c-941534450b24" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_GOLMember_0207c2c7-1d33-4c27-96b2-031fc0ee3038" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_GOLMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_36b1f154-d695-4d32-b4a6-079943495e66" xlink:to="loc_dal_GOLMember_0207c2c7-1d33-4c27-96b2-031fc0ee3038" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_WheelsUpMember_b77b43dc-c150-4ff1-bded-7548af6dc134" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_WheelsUpMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_36b1f154-d695-4d32-b4a6-079943495e66" xlink:to="loc_dal_WheelsUpMember_b77b43dc-c150-4ff1-bded-7548af6dc134" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_VirginAtlanticMember_2fc56784-bcc4-4e29-9fb7-cc24497a3c9b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_VirginAtlanticMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_36b1f154-d695-4d32-b4a6-079943495e66" xlink:to="loc_dal_VirginAtlanticMember_2fc56784-bcc4-4e29-9fb7-cc24497a3c9b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_caf23a13-500e-4337-a359-11e7bfa9a746" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_caf23a13-500e-4337-a359-11e7bfa9a746" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_caf23a13-500e-4337-a359-11e7bfa9a746_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_caf23a13-500e-4337-a359-11e7bfa9a746" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_caf23a13-500e-4337-a359-11e7bfa9a746_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_0f65987e-75e0-4858-ab2f-6c86df02536c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_caf23a13-500e-4337-a359-11e7bfa9a746" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_0f65987e-75e0-4858-ab2f-6c86df02536c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_A350900Member_3caac4d3-f799-4720-922d-e7635db30e18" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_A350900Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_0f65987e-75e0-4858-ab2f-6c86df02536c" xlink:to="loc_dal_A350900Member_3caac4d3-f799-4720-922d-e7635db30e18" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_b8f76a93-9e9c-4d9d-8587-a0f48d8b13d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_b8f76a93-9e9c-4d9d-8587-a0f48d8b13d7" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_b8f76a93-9e9c-4d9d-8587-a0f48d8b13d7_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_b8f76a93-9e9c-4d9d-8587-a0f48d8b13d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_b8f76a93-9e9c-4d9d-8587-a0f48d8b13d7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_670b8d0f-00ef-49ee-b01a-d41ae63b01b4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_b8f76a93-9e9c-4d9d-8587-a0f48d8b13d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_670b8d0f-00ef-49ee-b01a-d41ae63b01b4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AirlineAlliancesMember_9b480a39-a4da-4395-be6d-a4e07899649d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AirlineAlliancesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_670b8d0f-00ef-49ee-b01a-d41ae63b01b4" xlink:to="loc_dal_AirlineAlliancesMember_9b480a39-a4da-4395-be6d-a4e07899649d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_5222049d-5de8-4d08-8ce7-159be87e76cb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_5222049d-5de8-4d08-8ce7-159be87e76cb" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_5222049d-5de8-4d08-8ce7-159be87e76cb_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_5222049d-5de8-4d08-8ce7-159be87e76cb" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_5222049d-5de8-4d08-8ce7-159be87e76cb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_24e61762-3ee0-43bf-90f9-e5e53b425f24" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_5222049d-5de8-4d08-8ce7-159be87e76cb" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_24e61762-3ee0-43bf-90f9-e5e53b425f24" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_LATAMAirlinesGroupSAMember_93497f0d-4f1c-46e8-9163-eadf1202da34" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_LATAMAirlinesGroupSAMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_24e61762-3ee0-43bf-90f9-e5e53b425f24" xlink:to="loc_dal_LATAMAirlinesGroupSAMember_93497f0d-4f1c-46e8-9163-eadf1202da34" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_GrupoAeromexicoMember_031a306c-ebe4-4716-bbe3-ec802458d360" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_GrupoAeromexicoMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_24e61762-3ee0-43bf-90f9-e5e53b425f24" xlink:to="loc_dal_GrupoAeromexicoMember_031a306c-ebe4-4716-bbe3-ec802458d360" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_VirginAtlanticMember_4e67921a-e690-42ee-9abf-c4b011b33745" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_VirginAtlanticMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_24e61762-3ee0-43bf-90f9-e5e53b425f24" xlink:to="loc_dal_VirginAtlanticMember_4e67921a-e690-42ee-9abf-c4b011b33745" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_UnifiAviationMember_3dcc7f60-31c6-4fc3-93b1-d71db5c65a92" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_UnifiAviationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_24e61762-3ee0-43bf-90f9-e5e53b425f24" xlink:to="loc_dal_UnifiAviationMember_3dcc7f60-31c6-4fc3-93b1-d71db5c65a92" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_7b96e6eb-b417-416c-9c06-a729f2b42843" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_7b96e6eb-b417-416c-9c06-a729f2b42843" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_7b96e6eb-b417-416c-9c06-a729f2b42843_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_7b96e6eb-b417-416c-9c06-a729f2b42843" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_7b96e6eb-b417-416c-9c06-a729f2b42843_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_09fd96ec-d4a7-4faa-a5d8-c6d08fe2ff2e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_7b96e6eb-b417-416c-9c06-a729f2b42843" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_09fd96ec-d4a7-4faa-a5d8-c6d08fe2ff2e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_InvesteeAndOtherAirlinesReceivableMember_974e88b6-7d6f-48bc-bc39-97dfb804877e" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_InvesteeAndOtherAirlinesReceivableMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_09fd96ec-d4a7-4faa-a5d8-c6d08fe2ff2e" xlink:to="loc_dal_InvesteeAndOtherAirlinesReceivableMember_974e88b6-7d6f-48bc-bc39-97dfb804877e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_83eaedf2-4f39-432a-a219-f5a3003f5b6a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_83eaedf2-4f39-432a-a219-f5a3003f5b6a" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_83eaedf2-4f39-432a-a219-f5a3003f5b6a_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_83eaedf2-4f39-432a-a219-f5a3003f5b6a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_83eaedf2-4f39-432a-a219-f5a3003f5b6a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_1d22a8c3-be2e-4fea-8b5d-71f72594be79" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_83eaedf2-4f39-432a-a219-f5a3003f5b6a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_1d22a8c3-be2e-4fea-8b5d-71f72594be79" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceReceivablesMember_e6ca401c-3cd4-4b6e-99ae-af094c8a7079" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceReceivablesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_1d22a8c3-be2e-4fea-8b5d-71f72594be79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceReceivablesMember_e6ca401c-3cd4-4b6e-99ae-af094c8a7079" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_13694a84-880f-463b-83c5-a57f1511ddb8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_4eb700d1-bec3-4266-a1ed-4435fac59798" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_13694a84-880f-463b-83c5-a57f1511ddb8" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_13694a84-880f-463b-83c5-a57f1511ddb8_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_13694a84-880f-463b-83c5-a57f1511ddb8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_13694a84-880f-463b-83c5-a57f1511ddb8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_02e10232-7a88-4302-96d1-aa6be49f3294" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_13694a84-880f-463b-83c5-a57f1511ddb8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_02e10232-7a88-4302-96d1-aa6be49f3294" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_ea5fb3ce-4fbc-4e55-9f2f-d68d36dd9b1a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_02e10232-7a88-4302-96d1-aa6be49f3294" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_ea5fb3ce-4fbc-4e55-9f2f-d68d36dd9b1a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/InvestmentsFairValueInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#InvestmentsFairValueInvestmentsDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/InvestmentsFairValueInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i4dd36689313944f8a62689b4a65d1941_InvestmentsFairValueInvestmentsDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_60908ed2-dfe0-4d0e-9edf-459460d36ee9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndEquitySecuritiesFvNiAbstract_588bacc2-8ab2-40c7-a6dc-caff9c8a83e6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndEquitySecuritiesFvNiAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_60908ed2-dfe0-4d0e-9edf-459460d36ee9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndEquitySecuritiesFvNiAbstract_588bacc2-8ab2-40c7-a6dc-caff9c8a83e6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesFVNIOwnershipPercentage_70943b2f-ce22-4b87-ae0a-dcf49756f314" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EquitySecuritiesFVNIOwnershipPercentage"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndEquitySecuritiesFvNiAbstract_588bacc2-8ab2-40c7-a6dc-caff9c8a83e6" xlink:to="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesFVNIOwnershipPercentage_70943b2f-ce22-4b87-ae0a-dcf49756f314" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_d3dcb817-c3dd-41c7-9082-14f5ec3e08de" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndEquitySecuritiesFvNiAbstract_588bacc2-8ab2-40c7-a6dc-caff9c8a83e6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_d3dcb817-c3dd-41c7-9082-14f5ec3e08de" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_cc287f80-c5ac-466c-b114-0a0fe2fb7697" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_60908ed2-dfe0-4d0e-9edf-459460d36ee9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_cc287f80-c5ac-466c-b114-0a0fe2fb7697" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameAxis_1ffc1a98-5db0-4f38-a455-29d0b0afb1ca" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_cc287f80-c5ac-466c-b114-0a0fe2fb7697" xlink:to="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameAxis_1ffc1a98-5db0-4f38-a455-29d0b0afb1ca" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_1ffc1a98-5db0-4f38-a455-29d0b0afb1ca_default" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameAxis_1ffc1a98-5db0-4f38-a455-29d0b0afb1ca" xlink:to="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_1ffc1a98-5db0-4f38-a455-29d0b0afb1ca_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_ffe8a0dd-2522-4546-96c0-35dbe3bf8f5f" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameAxis_1ffc1a98-5db0-4f38-a455-29d0b0afb1ca" xlink:to="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_ffe8a0dd-2522-4546-96c0-35dbe3bf8f5f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_HanjinKALMember_2fd34aa6-a1ea-45dc-9678-5150729ae663" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_HanjinKALMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_ffe8a0dd-2522-4546-96c0-35dbe3bf8f5f" xlink:to="loc_dal_HanjinKALMember_2fd34aa6-a1ea-45dc-9678-5150729ae663" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AirFranceKLMMember_00bba264-0062-43d4-b7fb-176d08321b07" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AirFranceKLMMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_ffe8a0dd-2522-4546-96c0-35dbe3bf8f5f" xlink:to="loc_dal_AirFranceKLMMember_00bba264-0062-43d4-b7fb-176d08321b07" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ChinaEasternMember_6cac3c1a-91d3-443e-9127-e6dc759ec23c" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ChinaEasternMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_ffe8a0dd-2522-4546-96c0-35dbe3bf8f5f" xlink:to="loc_dal_ChinaEasternMember_6cac3c1a-91d3-443e-9127-e6dc759ec23c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_OtherEquitySecurityFVInvestmentsMember_f868da78-a861-4115-a9fa-424d7f7b6750" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_OtherEquitySecurityFVInvestmentsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentNameDomain_ffe8a0dd-2522-4546-96c0-35dbe3bf8f5f" xlink:to="loc_dal_OtherEquitySecurityFVInvestmentsMember_f868da78-a861-4115-a9fa-424d7f7b6750" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/InvestmentsEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#InvestmentsEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/InvestmentsEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ie7f440c25fed41379cb5584ef595b5e4_InvestmentsEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_62bcdd24-2180-456e-9345-95415b0fcde0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentFinancialStatementReportedAmountsAbstract_f551ed36-d350-4ac9-aa5c-fbf565a5d28f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentFinancialStatementReportedAmountsAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_62bcdd24-2180-456e-9345-95415b0fcde0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentFinancialStatementReportedAmountsAbstract_f551ed36-d350-4ac9-aa5c-fbf565a5d28f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_b0bc7d5f-ead1-4498-bddb-e7ff97b7552d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentFinancialStatementReportedAmountsAbstract_f551ed36-d350-4ac9-aa5c-fbf565a5d28f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_b0bc7d5f-ead1-4498-bddb-e7ff97b7552d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_0dc2742b-01dd-4dcb-b962-1b64f4ee271e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentFinancialStatementReportedAmountsAbstract_f551ed36-d350-4ac9-aa5c-fbf565a5d28f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_0dc2742b-01dd-4dcb-b962-1b64f4ee271e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EquityMethodInvestmentVotingInterestPercentageMaximumPerBylaws_9cbdc805-481a-4ba4-8b37-b0432b1b9245" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EquityMethodInvestmentVotingInterestPercentageMaximumPerBylaws"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentFinancialStatementReportedAmountsAbstract_f551ed36-d350-4ac9-aa5c-fbf565a5d28f" xlink:to="loc_dal_EquityMethodInvestmentVotingInterestPercentageMaximumPerBylaws_9cbdc805-481a-4ba4-8b37-b0432b1b9245" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_11bc71f4-cb94-4205-8ce3-e89adf17c4b3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_62bcdd24-2180-456e-9345-95415b0fcde0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_11bc71f4-cb94-4205-8ce3-e89adf17c4b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_3592c086-8d93-419c-bc6a-5696ab3cd72b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_11bc71f4-cb94-4205-8ce3-e89adf17c4b3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_3592c086-8d93-419c-bc6a-5696ab3cd72b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_3592c086-8d93-419c-bc6a-5696ab3cd72b_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_3592c086-8d93-419c-bc6a-5696ab3cd72b" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_3592c086-8d93-419c-bc6a-5696ab3cd72b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_9554138e-e819-43a7-896c-e6f72586235b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_3592c086-8d93-419c-bc6a-5696ab3cd72b" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_9554138e-e819-43a7-896c-e6f72586235b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_VirginAtlanticMember_228e543c-7eea-4564-bd81-9a6be7fb0ea4" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_VirginAtlanticMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_9554138e-e819-43a7-896c-e6f72586235b" xlink:to="loc_dal_VirginAtlanticMember_228e543c-7eea-4564-bd81-9a6be7fb0ea4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_UnifiAviationMember_03e95e02-368b-4a1f-ae64-105297f421a0" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_UnifiAviationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_9554138e-e819-43a7-896c-e6f72586235b" xlink:to="loc_dal_UnifiAviationMember_03e95e02-368b-4a1f-ae64-105297f421a0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagement" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#DerivativesandRiskManagement"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagement" xlink:type="extended" id="i9b247f159f454500a7189b3f3f9f00b5_DerivativesandRiskManagement"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagementTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#DerivativesandRiskManagementTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagementTables" xlink:type="extended" id="i9a836da3ef0c4043a1a4e1e368a8d298_DerivativesandRiskManagementTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagementNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#DerivativesandRiskManagementNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagementNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3f365dccfd7a4db48dc9001c3f05a582_DerivativesandRiskManagementNarrativeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_24bfe746-f2bc-4aa3-bbe5-035888481eb1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProceedsFromSettlementOfInterestRateSwapContracts_58514683-45ec-4cf6-8f7e-5a0580fb7786" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProceedsFromSettlementOfInterestRateSwapContracts"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_24bfe746-f2bc-4aa3-bbe5-035888481eb1" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProceedsFromSettlementOfInterestRateSwapContracts_58514683-45ec-4cf6-8f7e-5a0580fb7786" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTermOfContract_a0d103a7-ac33-49cf-8373-c2836254baf4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTermOfContract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_24bfe746-f2bc-4aa3-bbe5-035888481eb1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTermOfContract_a0d103a7-ac33-49cf-8373-c2836254baf4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_c8893a2c-7ec3-4652-b599-ab2267361395" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_24bfe746-f2bc-4aa3-bbe5-035888481eb1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_c8893a2c-7ec3-4652-b599-ab2267361395" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative_c6c676f2-7da4-4b54-a499-9bab06955be7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_24bfe746-f2bc-4aa3-bbe5-035888481eb1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative_c6c676f2-7da4-4b54-a499-9bab06955be7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_bc8ee6e2-d0a9-40c7-9a7d-8a8f19f86a32" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_24bfe746-f2bc-4aa3-bbe5-035888481eb1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_bc8ee6e2-d0a9-40c7-9a7d-8a8f19f86a32" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_56889c7f-5590-4a8d-8e22-4dcf31f10a85" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_24bfe746-f2bc-4aa3-bbe5-035888481eb1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_56889c7f-5590-4a8d-8e22-4dcf31f10a85" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_25253c97-ce79-43c2-9eac-81e3c366a7cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_24bfe746-f2bc-4aa3-bbe5-035888481eb1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_25253c97-ce79-43c2-9eac-81e3c366a7cd" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_be7c0a19-d3d5-415a-aa6a-ce3f7dfecf11" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_25253c97-ce79-43c2-9eac-81e3c366a7cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_be7c0a19-d3d5-415a-aa6a-ce3f7dfecf11" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_be7c0a19-d3d5-415a-aa6a-ce3f7dfecf11_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_be7c0a19-d3d5-415a-aa6a-ce3f7dfecf11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_be7c0a19-d3d5-415a-aa6a-ce3f7dfecf11_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_ce8cb9fb-d1ac-46b4-bd61-8b03e9af4876" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_be7c0a19-d3d5-415a-aa6a-ce3f7dfecf11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_ce8cb9fb-d1ac-46b4-bd61-8b03e9af4876" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_7f7db2b3-60ae-4dda-9170-a98f09240023" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_ce8cb9fb-d1ac-46b4-bd61-8b03e9af4876" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_7f7db2b3-60ae-4dda-9170-a98f09240023" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_e3fcb4ed-9e2e-4cef-83a4-0f89aac2e4bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_25253c97-ce79-43c2-9eac-81e3c366a7cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_e3fcb4ed-9e2e-4cef-83a4-0f89aac2e4bc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_e3fcb4ed-9e2e-4cef-83a4-0f89aac2e4bc_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_e3fcb4ed-9e2e-4cef-83a4-0f89aac2e4bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_e3fcb4ed-9e2e-4cef-83a4-0f89aac2e4bc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_25ea3407-3b45-44d2-aa0d-cfbd671e451b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_e3fcb4ed-9e2e-4cef-83a4-0f89aac2e4bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_25ea3407-3b45-44d2-aa0d-cfbd671e451b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ForeignExchangeContractWonBasedMember_133ad8d7-25b1-473d-8146-550396cd300d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ForeignExchangeContractWonBasedMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_25ea3407-3b45-44d2-aa0d-cfbd671e451b" xlink:to="loc_dal_ForeignExchangeContractWonBasedMember_133ad8d7-25b1-473d-8146-550396cd300d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_6bc15104-fe36-468e-916b-534711fede4b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_25253c97-ce79-43c2-9eac-81e3c366a7cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_6bc15104-fe36-468e-916b-534711fede4b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_6bc15104-fe36-468e-916b-534711fede4b_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_6bc15104-fe36-468e-916b-534711fede4b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_6bc15104-fe36-468e-916b-534711fede4b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_3f69069b-91dd-482d-8763-d18400da9dc1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_6bc15104-fe36-468e-916b-534711fede4b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_3f69069b-91dd-482d-8763-d18400da9dc1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_281fdbf1-6858-40f0-96ec-26be5f49fd80" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_3f69069b-91dd-482d-8763-d18400da9dc1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_281fdbf1-6858-40f0-96ec-26be5f49fd80" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagementHedgePositionDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#DerivativesandRiskManagementHedgePositionDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagementHedgePositionDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i03e2aefac37c44bf803763bf4d11fc76_DerivativesandRiskManagementHedgePositionDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_f3ecb03b-a0e0-414d-b058-19a63eb9c4a6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_ac905f52-c943-472a-921e-692ce8df89df" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_f3ecb03b-a0e0-414d-b058-19a63eb9c4a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_ac905f52-c943-472a-921e-692ce8df89df" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountVolume_797b91f3-32df-427a-a365-ee7bb017cf42" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountVolume"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_f3ecb03b-a0e0-414d-b058-19a63eb9c4a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountVolume_797b91f3-32df-427a-a365-ee7bb017cf42" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_3feca3ab-186f-443e-b0e5-53970e6d61b5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_f3ecb03b-a0e0-414d-b058-19a63eb9c4a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_3feca3ab-186f-443e-b0e5-53970e6d61b5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_cbd9eaf5-6ba2-4188-a97c-16a3b4d57903" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_f3ecb03b-a0e0-414d-b058-19a63eb9c4a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_cbd9eaf5-6ba2-4188-a97c-16a3b4d57903" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_f8dba43d-6b10-4a08-a600-80183be6653a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_f3ecb03b-a0e0-414d-b058-19a63eb9c4a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_f8dba43d-6b10-4a08-a600-80183be6653a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_0c079088-c637-4d13-934b-33f642350c1f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_f3ecb03b-a0e0-414d-b058-19a63eb9c4a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_0c079088-c637-4d13-934b-33f642350c1f" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_2091da02-51e2-4c37-9eeb-93cbb90e842e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_0c079088-c637-4d13-934b-33f642350c1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_2091da02-51e2-4c37-9eeb-93cbb90e842e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_2091da02-51e2-4c37-9eeb-93cbb90e842e_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_2091da02-51e2-4c37-9eeb-93cbb90e842e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_2091da02-51e2-4c37-9eeb-93cbb90e842e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_8ec17f7b-48c3-4e8e-b756-50f0ca412983" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_2091da02-51e2-4c37-9eeb-93cbb90e842e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_8ec17f7b-48c3-4e8e-b756-50f0ca412983" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_4bf349b6-9380-420c-88c6-a6c57db480c2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_8ec17f7b-48c3-4e8e-b756-50f0ca412983" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_4bf349b6-9380-420c-88c6-a6c57db480c2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_a60b5ffc-81ec-44a5-bb28-e6f98d1ca2ae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_0c079088-c637-4d13-934b-33f642350c1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_a60b5ffc-81ec-44a5-bb28-e6f98d1ca2ae" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_a60b5ffc-81ec-44a5-bb28-e6f98d1ca2ae_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_a60b5ffc-81ec-44a5-bb28-e6f98d1ca2ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_a60b5ffc-81ec-44a5-bb28-e6f98d1ca2ae_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_57cc3482-3b3b-44dd-85a1-e4845b24a266" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_a60b5ffc-81ec-44a5-bb28-e6f98d1ca2ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_57cc3482-3b3b-44dd-85a1-e4845b24a266" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_0cbd7636-3da6-4ed1-8576-630dc12accd4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_57cc3482-3b3b-44dd-85a1-e4845b24a266" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_0cbd7636-3da6-4ed1-8576-630dc12accd4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ForeignExchangeContractEuroBasedMember_31c3e1fb-5575-4382-9b04-4746e48e14e9" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ForeignExchangeContractEuroBasedMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_57cc3482-3b3b-44dd-85a1-e4845b24a266" xlink:to="loc_dal_ForeignExchangeContractEuroBasedMember_31c3e1fb-5575-4382-9b04-4746e48e14e9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ForeignExchangeContractWonBasedMember_a1e0d687-5f0d-4dc4-ba9b-6009749b1c5a" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ForeignExchangeContractWonBasedMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_57cc3482-3b3b-44dd-85a1-e4845b24a266" xlink:to="loc_dal_ForeignExchangeContractWonBasedMember_a1e0d687-5f0d-4dc4-ba9b-6009749b1c5a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_a12d8803-6982-4fb7-a152-7575b8c39b1a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_57cc3482-3b3b-44dd-85a1-e4845b24a266" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_a12d8803-6982-4fb7-a152-7575b8c39b1a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_fef79848-9d16-456d-92d6-8c99dd65a903" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_0c079088-c637-4d13-934b-33f642350c1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_fef79848-9d16-456d-92d6-8c99dd65a903" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_fef79848-9d16-456d-92d6-8c99dd65a903_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_fef79848-9d16-456d-92d6-8c99dd65a903" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_fef79848-9d16-456d-92d6-8c99dd65a903_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9bcaa76c-1709-4acd-8d9f-c57bf2b47a15" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_fef79848-9d16-456d-92d6-8c99dd65a903" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9bcaa76c-1709-4acd-8d9f-c57bf2b47a15" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_c4479403-062a-4fcb-ac7f-4d036e49c3b4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9bcaa76c-1709-4acd-8d9f-c57bf2b47a15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_c4479403-062a-4fcb-ac7f-4d036e49c3b4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_81b8051f-2657-4330-a9d3-d9d5f2a25c89" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9bcaa76c-1709-4acd-8d9f-c57bf2b47a15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_81b8051f-2657-4330-a9d3-d9d5f2a25c89" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_b854113a-91ed-4c9f-b1f9-a4b01f2e43fa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_0c079088-c637-4d13-934b-33f642350c1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_b854113a-91ed-4c9f-b1f9-a4b01f2e43fa" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_b854113a-91ed-4c9f-b1f9-a4b01f2e43fa_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_b854113a-91ed-4c9f-b1f9-a4b01f2e43fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_b854113a-91ed-4c9f-b1f9-a4b01f2e43fa_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9f53dbcd-9f37-43c2-a040-9be1ea688551" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_b854113a-91ed-4c9f-b1f9-a4b01f2e43fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9f53dbcd-9f37-43c2-a040-9be1ea688551" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_81bb916f-0333-465e-9cd6-afa001046d51" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9f53dbcd-9f37-43c2-a040-9be1ea688551" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_81bb916f-0333-465e-9cd6-afa001046d51" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_030f96eb-c858-4412-8beb-2eaa94cda737" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9f53dbcd-9f37-43c2-a040-9be1ea688551" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_030f96eb-c858-4412-8beb-2eaa94cda737" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_75d5c079-6806-4bf7-ab6c-fa87592e1685" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9f53dbcd-9f37-43c2-a040-9be1ea688551" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_75d5c079-6806-4bf7-ab6c-fa87592e1685" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_4b7823dd-dabd-4385-a580-d750cfd5534c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9f53dbcd-9f37-43c2-a040-9be1ea688551" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_4b7823dd-dabd-4385-a580-d750cfd5534c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagementBalanceSheetLocationofHedgedItemDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#DerivativesandRiskManagementBalanceSheetLocationofHedgedItemDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagementBalanceSheetLocationofHedgedItemDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ic2571a176981493bbe9d37663ece7a07_DerivativesandRiskManagementBalanceSheetLocationofHedgedItemDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_98121d02-3c86-463d-b8a1-399c82731142" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_CarryingAmountOfHedgedInstrumentsFairValueHedgeNet_94321df1-b356-42ba-981f-223791bc621a" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_CarryingAmountOfHedgedInstrumentsFairValueHedgeNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_98121d02-3c86-463d-b8a1-399c82731142" xlink:to="loc_dal_CarryingAmountOfHedgedInstrumentsFairValueHedgeNet_94321df1-b356-42ba-981f-223791bc621a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgedLiabilityFairValueHedgeCumulativeIncreaseDecrease_0f217833-ef6d-457f-b426-ab14056ed313" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgedLiabilityFairValueHedgeCumulativeIncreaseDecrease"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_98121d02-3c86-463d-b8a1-399c82731142" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgedLiabilityFairValueHedgeCumulativeIncreaseDecrease_0f217833-ef6d-457f-b426-ab14056ed313" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgedLiabilityDiscontinuedFairValueHedgeCumulativeIncreaseDecrease_ab3ba2f7-346b-4d0c-9796-157dd102de1e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgedLiabilityDiscontinuedFairValueHedgeCumulativeIncreaseDecrease"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_98121d02-3c86-463d-b8a1-399c82731142" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgedLiabilityDiscontinuedFairValueHedgeCumulativeIncreaseDecrease_ab3ba2f7-346b-4d0c-9796-157dd102de1e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_9fb0d1ae-5dd5-4201-806f-87ef411927e8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_98121d02-3c86-463d-b8a1-399c82731142" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_9fb0d1ae-5dd5-4201-806f-87ef411927e8" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_442e4fcf-2b88-4318-979b-fc0945915839" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_9fb0d1ae-5dd5-4201-806f-87ef411927e8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_442e4fcf-2b88-4318-979b-fc0945915839" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_442e4fcf-2b88-4318-979b-fc0945915839_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_442e4fcf-2b88-4318-979b-fc0945915839" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_442e4fcf-2b88-4318-979b-fc0945915839_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_306a21ff-b468-4db2-91a8-ac4a1e74eff8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_442e4fcf-2b88-4318-979b-fc0945915839" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_306a21ff-b468-4db2-91a8-ac4a1e74eff8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_CurrentMaturitiesOfDebtAndFinanceLeasesMember_4f727f5a-c867-4f92-aca9-605dae667a37" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_CurrentMaturitiesOfDebtAndFinanceLeasesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_306a21ff-b468-4db2-91a8-ac4a1e74eff8" xlink:to="loc_dal_CurrentMaturitiesOfDebtAndFinanceLeasesMember_4f727f5a-c867-4f92-aca9-605dae667a37" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DebtAndFinanceLeasesMember_f7ecde93-91f0-442f-b48d-24e9c4e58a95" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DebtAndFinanceLeasesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_306a21ff-b468-4db2-91a8-ac4a1e74eff8" xlink:to="loc_dal_DebtAndFinanceLeasesMember_f7ecde93-91f0-442f-b48d-24e9c4e58a95" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagementOffsettingAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#DerivativesandRiskManagementOffsettingAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagementOffsettingAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i9a4ee915f92a48fe9893d8866ad10528_DerivativesandRiskManagementOffsettingAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_0609cf10-86c1-4258-a888-49ec56dd8e0c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_0056e68a-3581-4b4a-8d88-aad8d76f5e15" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_0609cf10-86c1-4258-a888-49ec56dd8e0c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_0056e68a-3581-4b4a-8d88-aad8d76f5e15" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_395bef46-a900-49f4-bad2-4a94c77abf28" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_0609cf10-86c1-4258-a888-49ec56dd8e0c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_395bef46-a900-49f4-bad2-4a94c77abf28" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_cf2ae582-f11c-42b3-af65-3b247f4a26ef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_0609cf10-86c1-4258-a888-49ec56dd8e0c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_cf2ae582-f11c-42b3-af65-3b247f4a26ef" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_cf58f0ba-8ad2-43bb-b3e4-9f6e5ccc730e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_0609cf10-86c1-4258-a888-49ec56dd8e0c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_cf58f0ba-8ad2-43bb-b3e4-9f6e5ccc730e" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_f54c2935-71c2-4cd8-8df1-a3eeb69c71cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_cf58f0ba-8ad2-43bb-b3e4-9f6e5ccc730e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_f54c2935-71c2-4cd8-8df1-a3eeb69c71cf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_f54c2935-71c2-4cd8-8df1-a3eeb69c71cf_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_f54c2935-71c2-4cd8-8df1-a3eeb69c71cf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_f54c2935-71c2-4cd8-8df1-a3eeb69c71cf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8c8cab99-93f1-4324-a84b-3d07d9113d61" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_f54c2935-71c2-4cd8-8df1-a3eeb69c71cf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8c8cab99-93f1-4324-a84b-3d07d9113d61" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_36325664-9fda-44f6-bc48-cd843e6c607c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8c8cab99-93f1-4324-a84b-3d07d9113d61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_36325664-9fda-44f6-bc48-cd843e6c607c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_57ea1bce-da5e-4884-a2c6-93b0322ff081" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8c8cab99-93f1-4324-a84b-3d07d9113d61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_57ea1bce-da5e-4884-a2c6-93b0322ff081" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_cdbc7c10-0a73-4b99-ad97-a9f4e6104aa5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8c8cab99-93f1-4324-a84b-3d07d9113d61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_cdbc7c10-0a73-4b99-ad97-a9f4e6104aa5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_191efa26-48af-4867-97fb-5e57c237dbc5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8c8cab99-93f1-4324-a84b-3d07d9113d61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_191efa26-48af-4867-97fb-5e57c237dbc5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagementNotDesignatedHedgeGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#DerivativesandRiskManagementNotDesignatedHedgeGainsLossesDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/DerivativesandRiskManagementNotDesignatedHedgeGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i50a1df59bb2049deb5cea64143b5d730_DerivativesandRiskManagementNotDesignatedHedgeGainsLossesDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_ca95eb7e-e758-4ccb-a9ef-d033e5fce75e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_bb4f4491-d532-4337-aaad-8395d734ddcb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_ca95eb7e-e758-4ccb-a9ef-d033e5fce75e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_bb4f4491-d532-4337-aaad-8395d734ddcb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_c69a21ef-3efc-464d-a10b-e1085673c9c7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_ca95eb7e-e758-4ccb-a9ef-d033e5fce75e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_c69a21ef-3efc-464d-a10b-e1085673c9c7" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_44fe776c-8cc3-4374-a1c1-374dc016d92e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_c69a21ef-3efc-464d-a10b-e1085673c9c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_44fe776c-8cc3-4374-a1c1-374dc016d92e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_44fe776c-8cc3-4374-a1c1-374dc016d92e_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_44fe776c-8cc3-4374-a1c1-374dc016d92e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_44fe776c-8cc3-4374-a1c1-374dc016d92e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9c50a365-a870-4f66-a18d-8d0dded0c3b5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_44fe776c-8cc3-4374-a1c1-374dc016d92e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9c50a365-a870-4f66-a18d-8d0dded0c3b5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_12342131-70f3-40bb-85da-14cc06e6b08c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9c50a365-a870-4f66-a18d-8d0dded0c3b5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_12342131-70f3-40bb-85da-14cc06e6b08c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1190bfff-264a-4976-af81-7b93f7c0412e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_c69a21ef-3efc-464d-a10b-e1085673c9c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1190bfff-264a-4976-af81-7b93f7c0412e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1190bfff-264a-4976-af81-7b93f7c0412e_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1190bfff-264a-4976-af81-7b93f7c0412e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1190bfff-264a-4976-af81-7b93f7c0412e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_05f475af-34af-4f82-8ecc-8c2abc699b5c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1190bfff-264a-4976-af81-7b93f7c0412e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_05f475af-34af-4f82-8ecc-8c2abc699b5c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_23d23b11-b8cd-4a00-a42b-a65e24e6a00b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_05f475af-34af-4f82-8ecc-8c2abc699b5c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_23d23b11-b8cd-4a00-a42b-a65e24e6a00b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_7f38dbc5-228a-414b-be68-e6ce4e5e691f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_05f475af-34af-4f82-8ecc-8c2abc699b5c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_7f38dbc5-228a-414b-be68-e6ce4e5e691f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_c11c2af6-de2d-4882-8f25-3c537fbc5271" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_c69a21ef-3efc-464d-a10b-e1085673c9c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_c11c2af6-de2d-4882-8f25-3c537fbc5271" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_c11c2af6-de2d-4882-8f25-3c537fbc5271_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_c11c2af6-de2d-4882-8f25-3c537fbc5271" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_c11c2af6-de2d-4882-8f25-3c537fbc5271_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_be8f836a-1af5-4306-b5d1-42f8031ef599" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_c11c2af6-de2d-4882-8f25-3c537fbc5271" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_be8f836a-1af5-4306-b5d1-42f8031ef599" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsMember1_e1ae3718-60ec-4718-9d91-9a435937c264" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsMember1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_be8f836a-1af5-4306-b5d1-42f8031ef599" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsMember1_e1ae3718-60ec-4718-9d91-9a435937c264" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AircraftFuelAndRelatedTaxesMember_31198bcb-2338-4353-96ec-17bb5a79414a" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AircraftFuelAndRelatedTaxesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_be8f836a-1af5-4306-b5d1-42f8031ef599" xlink:to="loc_dal_AircraftFuelAndRelatedTaxesMember_31198bcb-2338-4353-96ec-17bb5a79414a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#GoodwillandIntangibleAssets"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended" id="i30580c9711ec4d9abeea19d096b344a5_GoodwillandIntangibleAssets"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" id="i366032bff29e47da826b87dc37927e82_GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsValuationofGoodwillandIndefiniteLivedIntangibleDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsValuationofGoodwillandIndefiniteLivedIntangibleDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsValuationofGoodwillandIndefiniteLivedIntangibleDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i699cfdb7fea24c40ac3e14318da007d0_GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsValuationofGoodwillandIndefiniteLivedIntangibleDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_8893a839-e1b4-4952-b694-3ffd1d974bc3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_1235b166-de44-424c-838d-e743b023d259" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_8893a839-e1b4-4952-b694-3ffd1d974bc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_1235b166-de44-424c-838d-e743b023d259" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmount_16125dcb-9a1e-4c55-b311-7900588e6352" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportingUnitPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_8893a839-e1b4-4952-b694-3ffd1d974bc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmount_16125dcb-9a1e-4c55-b311-7900588e6352" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_636bfa89-29d7-4874-8d28-722903cfaa73" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_8893a839-e1b4-4952-b694-3ffd1d974bc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_636bfa89-29d7-4874-8d28-722903cfaa73" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmount_9c4face2-247c-4100-b123-74e0b4bd6be1" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_8893a839-e1b4-4952-b694-3ffd1d974bc3" xlink:to="loc_dal_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmount_9c4face2-247c-4100-b123-74e0b4bd6be1" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmountGreaterThan_58a42a48-da26-412a-b12c-efed0c295fed" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmountGreaterThan"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_8893a839-e1b4-4952-b694-3ffd1d974bc3" xlink:to="loc_dal_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmountGreaterThan_58a42a48-da26-412a-b12c-efed0c295fed" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill_dde16de8-84a4-4b33-ab02-0bf62310887b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_8893a839-e1b4-4952-b694-3ffd1d974bc3" xlink:to="loc_dal_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill_dde16de8-84a4-4b33-ab02-0bf62310887b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired_dbc479b6-9ee9-4aa5-8863-0f36197b0b17" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_8893a839-e1b4-4952-b694-3ffd1d974bc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired_dbc479b6-9ee9-4aa5-8863-0f36197b0b17" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_6041d7ef-bc21-4b72-a493-67f30b78412c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_8893a839-e1b4-4952-b694-3ffd1d974bc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_6041d7ef-bc21-4b72-a493-67f30b78412c" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_d59af954-0960-42e3-a232-252455dbbd8c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_6041d7ef-bc21-4b72-a493-67f30b78412c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_d59af954-0960-42e3-a232-252455dbbd8c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d59af954-0960-42e3-a232-252455dbbd8c_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_d59af954-0960-42e3-a232-252455dbbd8c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d59af954-0960-42e3-a232-252455dbbd8c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d89d81f1-d240-4b94-8d8f-761b13704a50" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_d59af954-0960-42e3-a232-252455dbbd8c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d89d81f1-d240-4b94-8d8f-761b13704a50" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_InternationalRoutesAndSlotsMember_ed6cfcd7-0e1a-4d13-989c-4d81c05d89ef" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_InternationalRoutesAndSlotsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d89d81f1-d240-4b94-8d8f-761b13704a50" xlink:to="loc_dal_InternationalRoutesAndSlotsMember_ed6cfcd7-0e1a-4d13-989c-4d81c05d89ef" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AirlineAlliancesMember_dc0f37a9-769d-40c1-8877-0a07936c579c" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AirlineAlliancesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d89d81f1-d240-4b94-8d8f-761b13704a50" xlink:to="loc_dal_AirlineAlliancesMember_dc0f37a9-769d-40c1-8877-0a07936c579c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_2753fbb8-c9e2-4e5b-bf42-8ea59765fe82" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d89d81f1-d240-4b94-8d8f-761b13704a50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_2753fbb8-c9e2-4e5b-bf42-8ea59765fe82" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DomesticSlotsMember_66546fb8-d9ac-4e7b-bc1b-94b043f32c31" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DomesticSlotsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d89d81f1-d240-4b94-8d8f-761b13704a50" xlink:to="loc_dal_DomesticSlotsMember_66546fb8-d9ac-4e7b-bc1b-94b043f32c31" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_cd12238b-ea6c-44e7-8755-0ab72d5c947c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_6041d7ef-bc21-4b72-a493-67f30b78412c" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_cd12238b-ea6c-44e7-8755-0ab72d5c947c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_cd12238b-ea6c-44e7-8755-0ab72d5c947c_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_cd12238b-ea6c-44e7-8755-0ab72d5c947c" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_cd12238b-ea6c-44e7-8755-0ab72d5c947c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_606eb9d1-3fba-4fbf-bb93-3ff53e9c9610" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_cd12238b-ea6c-44e7-8755-0ab72d5c947c" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_606eb9d1-3fba-4fbf-bb93-3ff53e9c9610" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_2d2aa1e5-8e7a-481c-89f4-9db600f14581" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_606eb9d1-3fba-4fbf-bb93-3ff53e9c9610" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_2d2aa1e5-8e7a-481c-89f4-9db600f14581" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_bebc0a89-14f1-4bbf-b8b0-34d143511456" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_606eb9d1-3fba-4fbf-bb93-3ff53e9c9610" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_bebc0a89-14f1-4bbf-b8b0-34d143511456" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsDefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsDefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsDefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3786beb10b43416aaa9d17db508b92e6_GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsDefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_06c3954f-6d02-4d19-b965-e29034f639d3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_d906da31-6936-4678-9667-11ca155a099a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_06c3954f-6d02-4d19-b965-e29034f639d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_d906da31-6936-4678-9667-11ca155a099a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_d02a63b5-1f16-464c-81da-07c8c81a1c69" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_06c3954f-6d02-4d19-b965-e29034f639d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_d02a63b5-1f16-464c-81da-07c8c81a1c69" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_fda84140-d02b-46ae-a95a-9f91b61ce517" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_06c3954f-6d02-4d19-b965-e29034f639d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_fda84140-d02b-46ae-a95a-9f91b61ce517" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8c902aec-5716-4f25-8aa8-829d73febb8b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_fda84140-d02b-46ae-a95a-9f91b61ce517" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8c902aec-5716-4f25-8aa8-829d73febb8b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8c902aec-5716-4f25-8aa8-829d73febb8b_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8c902aec-5716-4f25-8aa8-829d73febb8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8c902aec-5716-4f25-8aa8-829d73febb8b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8ed33de0-625a-4cb4-8449-c0f89dbe5974" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8c902aec-5716-4f25-8aa8-829d73febb8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8ed33de0-625a-4cb4-8449-c0f89dbe5974" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketingRelatedIntangibleAssetsMember_5f297e6e-5c4e-43f2-bdf0-9d58a00dde2f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketingRelatedIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8ed33de0-625a-4cb4-8449-c0f89dbe5974" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketingRelatedIntangibleAssetsMember_5f297e6e-5c4e-43f2-bdf0-9d58a00dde2f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_19fd0bd7-783e-41bd-a787-f3b943cbf787" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractBasedIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8ed33de0-625a-4cb4-8449-c0f89dbe5974" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_19fd0bd7-783e-41bd-a787-f3b943cbf787" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_5ad4a853-18fd-421e-9e93-cbf02c1a13cc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8ed33de0-625a-4cb4-8449-c0f89dbe5974" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_5ad4a853-18fd-421e-9e93-cbf02c1a13cc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ie90c11af792e4684a76a668deba70e5c_GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#Debt"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="extended" id="i812c3003c0704a6ba2b034a7bab965b2_Debt"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#DebtTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:type="extended" id="ie88fedc815854bd8b05420f653e4c65b_DebtTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/DebtSummaryofDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#DebtSummaryofDebtDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/DebtSummaryofDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i7f4545fbfce44c72bc1fad7a2a394d2e_DebtSummaryofDebtDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_bcaeba8c-b7fe-4a53-a897-051e32040cdc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1_3d3010bb-a20d-4232-86e5-6a62bb7af6ca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_bcaeba8c-b7fe-4a53-a897-051e32040cdc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1_3d3010bb-a20d-4232-86e5-6a62bb7af6ca" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1_c3e7f4dc-eaa9-4d3c-aa86-6429aa658dd2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_bcaeba8c-b7fe-4a53-a897-051e32040cdc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1_c3e7f4dc-eaa9-4d3c-aa86-6429aa658dd2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_ef825e33-dbcb-4aee-8287-16b8cd8c69a8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_bcaeba8c-b7fe-4a53-a897-051e32040cdc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_ef825e33-dbcb-4aee-8287-16b8cd8c69a8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_79c0a621-bda7-43d5-8757-ccf78ed5f615" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_bcaeba8c-b7fe-4a53-a897-051e32040cdc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_79c0a621-bda7-43d5-8757-ccf78ed5f615" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet_83250c05-6002-45d3-85ed-33f461ed2984" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_bcaeba8c-b7fe-4a53-a897-051e32040cdc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet_83250c05-6002-45d3-85ed-33f461ed2984" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_12f39f06-7dd0-40a5-9185-b196bdef49a4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_bcaeba8c-b7fe-4a53-a897-051e32040cdc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_12f39f06-7dd0-40a5-9185-b196bdef49a4" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_e1084051-3516-4b13-9d17-92c08fb0bc99" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_bcaeba8c-b7fe-4a53-a897-051e32040cdc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_e1084051-3516-4b13-9d17-92c08fb0bc99" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_2e83d454-6993-4d77-9d5e-704dcc5af62e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_bcaeba8c-b7fe-4a53-a897-051e32040cdc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_2e83d454-6993-4d77-9d5e-704dcc5af62e" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_cb1f413b-e85c-4048-b52a-23e3c2eced0b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_bcaeba8c-b7fe-4a53-a897-051e32040cdc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_cb1f413b-e85c-4048-b52a-23e3c2eced0b" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_a20c4d14-7dc3-457b-8951-e85e87fc92dc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_bcaeba8c-b7fe-4a53-a897-051e32040cdc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_a20c4d14-7dc3-457b-8951-e85e87fc92dc" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_d5601695-2f35-40b4-bb11-932082b52bb4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_a20c4d14-7dc3-457b-8951-e85e87fc92dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_d5601695-2f35-40b4-bb11-932082b52bb4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_d5601695-2f35-40b4-bb11-932082b52bb4_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_d5601695-2f35-40b4-bb11-932082b52bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_d5601695-2f35-40b4-bb11-932082b52bb4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_d5601695-2f35-40b4-bb11-932082b52bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_UnsecuredNotesMember_be2f5d22-c176-4f54-bef4-fb3e28efba75" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_UnsecuredNotesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_UnsecuredNotesMember_be2f5d22-c176-4f54-bef4-fb3e28efba75" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanCARESActMember_410a450a-1bdd-4a89-be69-6deee7b3a359" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanCARESActMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanCARESActMember_410a450a-1bdd-4a89-be69-6deee7b3a359" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SkyMilesNotesMember_989bd54f-0af2-48c3-bd90-49d7121b3f65" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SkyMilesNotesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_SkyMilesNotesMember_989bd54f-0af2-48c3-bd90-49d7121b3f65" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SkyMilesTermLoanMember_8986b507-731a-49f8-8403-75b24c6090eb" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SkyMilesTermLoanMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_SkyMilesTermLoanMember_8986b507-731a-49f8-8403-75b24c6090eb" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SeniorSecuredNotes2020Member_5739cdb5-adc8-4572-88d2-edd247e15158" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SeniorSecuredNotes2020Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_SeniorSecuredNotes2020Member_5739cdb5-adc8-4572-88d2-edd247e15158" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_TermLoan2020Member_bb2ddb2a-512b-429f-a688-3a4c9e8e5668" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_TermLoan2020Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_TermLoan2020Member_bb2ddb2a-512b-429f-a688-3a4c9e8e5668" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_RevolvingCreditFacility2018Member_d83f1f58-bcba-4dcb-9de8-d733add383ef" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_RevolvingCreditFacility2018Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_RevolvingCreditFacility2018Member_d83f1f58-bcba-4dcb-9de8-d733add383ef" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_CertificatesMember_1b10ff3e-40f4-45c2-af9f-232713f2264e" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_CertificatesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_CertificatesMember_1b10ff3e-40f4-45c2-af9f-232713f2264e" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AircraftFinancingsMember_f598b8f9-4f5b-4597-9396-9862ff55c63b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AircraftFinancingsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_AircraftFinancingsMember_f598b8f9-4f5b-4597-9396-9862ff55c63b" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NYTDCSpecialFacilitiesRevenueBondsSeries2020Member_9fc9e468-c620-40eb-8617-0156f3bef1e0" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NYTDCSpecialFacilitiesRevenueBondsSeries2020Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_NYTDCSpecialFacilitiesRevenueBondsSeries2020Member_9fc9e468-c620-40eb-8617-0156f3bef1e0" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NYTDCSpecialFacilitiesRevenueBondsSeries2018Member_f9b5e9b5-529b-4263-919b-3d517ccac202" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NYTDCSpecialFacilitiesRevenueBondsSeries2018Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_NYTDCSpecialFacilitiesRevenueBondsSeries2018Member_f9b5e9b5-529b-4263-919b-3d517ccac202" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_OtherFinancingsMember_7d033af3-9a91-4551-80af-0879b7827bbf" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_OtherFinancingsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_OtherFinancingsMember_7d033af3-9a91-4551-80af-0879b7827bbf" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_BankRevolvingCreditFacilitiesMember_0bc1dc88-6efb-4c3e-9155-709e2b2522e7" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_BankRevolvingCreditFacilitiesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_618b81fc-e973-45be-b083-045830c453e0" xlink:to="loc_dal_BankRevolvingCreditFacilitiesMember_0bc1dc88-6efb-4c3e-9155-709e2b2522e7" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2a922fbd-f974-4332-9ece-b144749d765b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_a20c4d14-7dc3-457b-8951-e85e87fc92dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2a922fbd-f974-4332-9ece-b144749d765b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2a922fbd-f974-4332-9ece-b144749d765b_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2a922fbd-f974-4332-9ece-b144749d765b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2a922fbd-f974-4332-9ece-b144749d765b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_dd394433-e6e8-4e19-829e-a1e4037fc8db" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2a922fbd-f974-4332-9ece-b144749d765b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_dd394433-e6e8-4e19-829e-a1e4037fc8db" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_5c5c16f8-2b4a-4961-8b2a-428efcb958cb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_dd394433-e6e8-4e19-829e-a1e4037fc8db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_5c5c16f8-2b4a-4961-8b2a-428efcb958cb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_46bbafd7-736c-4a51-9c29-f44fe9f1f8d5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_dd394433-e6e8-4e19-829e-a1e4037fc8db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_46bbafd7-736c-4a51-9c29-f44fe9f1f8d5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_58ebf8c8-52ad-4ba1-b609-6c8ae85723c9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_dd394433-e6e8-4e19-829e-a1e4037fc8db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_58ebf8c8-52ad-4ba1-b609-6c8ae85723c9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BondsMember_4b786190-1316-4cdc-8726-b9e985d70f63" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BondsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_dd394433-e6e8-4e19-829e-a1e4037fc8db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BondsMember_4b786190-1316-4cdc-8726-b9e985d70f63" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SecuredAndUnsecuredDebtMember_7f94b868-c3df-4b51-a3e0-985640c3588b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SecuredAndUnsecuredDebtMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_dd394433-e6e8-4e19-829e-a1e4037fc8db" xlink:to="loc_dal_SecuredAndUnsecuredDebtMember_7f94b868-c3df-4b51-a3e0-985640c3588b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_517f90a2-7f3b-4017-8cb4-8d49e168a212" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_a20c4d14-7dc3-457b-8951-e85e87fc92dc" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_517f90a2-7f3b-4017-8cb4-8d49e168a212" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_517f90a2-7f3b-4017-8cb4-8d49e168a212_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_517f90a2-7f3b-4017-8cb4-8d49e168a212" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_517f90a2-7f3b-4017-8cb4-8d49e168a212_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_82e42d1e-fa15-4916-85cd-4da856675e6a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_517f90a2-7f3b-4017-8cb4-8d49e168a212" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_82e42d1e-fa15-4916-85cd-4da856675e6a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_5015cf0d-1a8e-4ba4-8ce3-3441f1913ccc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_82e42d1e-fa15-4916-85cd-4da856675e6a" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_5015cf0d-1a8e-4ba4-8ce3-3441f1913ccc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_04586502-fc15-4177-82c2-090d5efd949e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_82e42d1e-fa15-4916-85cd-4da856675e6a" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_04586502-fc15-4177-82c2-090d5efd949e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#DebtNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="if7d74ee47c154e5f9d0a643ee7e93c79_DebtNarrativeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_3887612c-5797-43b3-a3b3-33b8f2dc50e1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_3887612c-5797-43b3-a3b3-33b8f2dc50e1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_cc4563de-83ea-4730-aeb0-87421272782a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_cc4563de-83ea-4730-aeb0-87421272782a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentLoanPerAgreementThroughPayrollSupportProgramOfCARESAct_5729c07c-82da-4784-8b34-d6e01fcfd8ee" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DebtInstrumentLoanPerAgreementThroughPayrollSupportProgramOfCARESAct"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentLoanPerAgreementThroughPayrollSupportProgramOfCARESAct_5729c07c-82da-4784-8b34-d6e01fcfd8ee" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_179b7744-1bc3-42f0-8209-0776a752b3ac" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_179b7744-1bc3-42f0-8209-0776a752b3ac" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_38076580-1b99-4280-bf50-5fa859989c87" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_38076580-1b99-4280-bf50-5fa859989c87" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued_f8a93f8b-3a3c-4c60-bad2-5ba6b4254c2d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued_f8a93f8b-3a3c-4c60-bad2-5ba6b4254c2d" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentLoanPerAgreementThroughPayrollSupportProgram_6d8b9a3b-2f0f-43a9-bcf6-ed748ca33b2c" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DebtInstrumentLoanPerAgreementThroughPayrollSupportProgram"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentLoanPerAgreementThroughPayrollSupportProgram_6d8b9a3b-2f0f-43a9-bcf6-ed748ca33b2c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProceedsFromGovernmentPayrollSupportProgram_c7a33ff2-6b30-41f5-be77-28f1b44cb114" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProceedsFromGovernmentPayrollSupportProgram"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProceedsFromGovernmentPayrollSupportProgram_c7a33ff2-6b30-41f5-be77-28f1b44cb114" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_VariableRateLIBORFloor_8336693a-bbdb-48d1-ac48-9333ee3cdd3b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_VariableRateLIBORFloor"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_VariableRateLIBORFloor_8336693a-bbdb-48d1-ac48-9333ee3cdd3b" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_687d2c71-5c54-4342-b68a-1f08471001dd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_687d2c71-5c54-4342-b68a-1f08471001dd" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfSubsidiariesOnDebtGuarantee_e4f21250-c606-4717-923f-2395119ea5fc" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfSubsidiariesOnDebtGuarantee"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfSubsidiariesOnDebtGuarantee_e4f21250-c606-4717-923f-2395119ea5fc" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentRequiredPaymentPerYearPercentage_eea13205-9f0b-4c60-b8e5-080726f0fe71" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DebtInstrumentRequiredPaymentPerYearPercentage"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentRequiredPaymentPerYearPercentage_eea13205-9f0b-4c60-b8e5-080726f0fe71" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_RevolvingCreditFacilityAmountSubjectToExtendedMaturity_40ce6571-5664-4e2f-a225-4f0daee8253c" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_RevolvingCreditFacilityAmountSubjectToExtendedMaturity"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_RevolvingCreditFacilityAmountSubjectToExtendedMaturity_40ce6571-5664-4e2f-a225-4f0daee8253c" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_4be499ae-51f4-4c52-a2a5-cd331e849cd4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_4be499ae-51f4-4c52-a2a5-cd331e849cd4" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_13c43b80-d706-4755-b6c7-41ec1ed02d27" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_13c43b80-d706-4755-b6c7-41ec1ed02d27" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftToSecureLoan_921e35a6-797d-40ee-875c-8b7c62fe87f9" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfAircraftToSecureLoan"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftToSecureLoan_921e35a6-797d-40ee-875c-8b7c62fe87f9" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_30ff0788-554f-4abb-9b02-f0fed3c21214" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_30ff0788-554f-4abb-9b02-f0fed3c21214" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_f6d3084e-17be-47c3-8fb8-973615e0dc81" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_f6d3084e-17be-47c3-8fb8-973615e0dc81" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_LettersOfCreditOutstandingThatReduceAvailabilityUnderRevolvingFacilitiesAmount_c65f095b-cd5f-4595-913d-29e4d5cb486b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_LettersOfCreditOutstandingThatReduceAvailabilityUnderRevolvingFacilitiesAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_LettersOfCreditOutstandingThatReduceAvailabilityUnderRevolvingFacilitiesAmount_c65f095b-cd5f-4595-913d-29e4d5cb486b" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_LettersOfCreditOutstandingThatDoNotReduceAvailabilityUnderRevolvingFacilitiesAmount_0295278d-1de4-4f3b-9b52-9529aa799d1d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_LettersOfCreditOutstandingThatDoNotReduceAvailabilityUnderRevolvingFacilitiesAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_LettersOfCreditOutstandingThatDoNotReduceAvailabilityUnderRevolvingFacilitiesAmount_0295278d-1de4-4f3b-9b52-9529aa799d1d" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentMinimumLiquidityCovenantUnrestrictedCashCashEquivalentsAndUndrawnCreditFacilities_9c5059d9-8a73-45e5-92bf-ad87aaa98b8b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DebtInstrumentMinimumLiquidityCovenantUnrestrictedCashCashEquivalentsAndUndrawnCreditFacilities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentMinimumLiquidityCovenantUnrestrictedCashCashEquivalentsAndUndrawnCreditFacilities_9c5059d9-8a73-45e5-92bf-ad87aaa98b8b" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentCovenantAggregateLimitOnSaleOfPrePaidMiles_8f36f210-aa1b-4a49-9be9-600bfdf6d9bc" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DebtInstrumentCovenantAggregateLimitOnSaleOfPrePaidMiles"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_dal_DebtInstrumentCovenantAggregateLimitOnSaleOfPrePaidMiles_8f36f210-aa1b-4a49-9be9-600bfdf6d9bc" xlink:type="arc" order="21"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_eb6bdabd-4261-4544-b41c-b281d4b86f8b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_f1c8f701-5463-42d3-87cb-065a5157ad5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_eb6bdabd-4261-4544-b41c-b281d4b86f8b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_73be5448-593f-4053-aae0-bbd8c8f25abe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_eb6bdabd-4261-4544-b41c-b281d4b86f8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_73be5448-593f-4053-aae0-bbd8c8f25abe" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_73be5448-593f-4053-aae0-bbd8c8f25abe_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_73be5448-593f-4053-aae0-bbd8c8f25abe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_73be5448-593f-4053-aae0-bbd8c8f25abe_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_73be5448-593f-4053-aae0-bbd8c8f25abe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_UnsecuredNotes2020Member_cf27fd88-f229-4d6c-9e35-96cb25be0a90" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_UnsecuredNotes2020Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_UnsecuredNotes2020Member_cf27fd88-f229-4d6c-9e35-96cb25be0a90" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanCARESActMember_5f9ed6ce-a54c-46c7-a986-8acd0b3449cb" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanCARESActMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanCARESActMember_5f9ed6ce-a54c-46c7-a986-8acd0b3449cb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanMember_74fc43ea-e172-4b81-bf17-14db1c2d511e" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_PayrollSupportProgramLoanMember_74fc43ea-e172-4b81-bf17-14db1c2d511e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SkyMilesNotesDue2025Member_edbda67a-e131-440c-bce8-2c37060aeb03" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SkyMilesNotesDue2025Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_SkyMilesNotesDue2025Member_edbda67a-e131-440c-bce8-2c37060aeb03" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SkyMilesNotesDue2028Member_1244e918-5c5d-4b10-932e-c7f5fb71fbc3" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SkyMilesNotesDue2028Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_SkyMilesNotesDue2028Member_1244e918-5c5d-4b10-932e-c7f5fb71fbc3" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SkyMilesTermLoanMember_ae657cbc-c6bd-4425-8b0c-e805d97a786e" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SkyMilesTermLoanMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_SkyMilesTermLoanMember_ae657cbc-c6bd-4425-8b0c-e805d97a786e" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SkyMilesDebtMember_8daf9b36-80c7-4300-b13c-97daec614ad8" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SkyMilesDebtMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_SkyMilesDebtMember_8daf9b36-80c7-4300-b13c-97daec614ad8" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SeniorSecuredNotes2020Member_3eedd78e-8b54-4f53-a410-0ded250d2173" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SeniorSecuredNotes2020Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_SeniorSecuredNotes2020Member_3eedd78e-8b54-4f53-a410-0ded250d2173" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_TermLoan2020Member_32d2bc87-cab6-4788-9524-0fe6755ad2b5" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_TermLoan2020Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_TermLoan2020Member_32d2bc87-cab6-4788-9524-0fe6755ad2b5" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_RevolvingCreditFacility2018Member_ac2f5ada-1452-4da0-b302-a5c24d391486" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_RevolvingCreditFacility2018Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_RevolvingCreditFacility2018Member_ac2f5ada-1452-4da0-b302-a5c24d391486" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SecuredTermLoanFacility2020Member_6f2c7dde-724d-4963-acc8-3688236b68bb" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SecuredTermLoanFacility2020Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_SecuredTermLoanFacility2020Member_6f2c7dde-724d-4963-acc8-3688236b68bb" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificatesSeries20201Member_53c0e3a9-71ec-41ca-845b-1af1bddb04c0" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PassThroughCertificatesSeries20201Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificatesSeries20201Member_53c0e3a9-71ec-41ca-845b-1af1bddb04c0" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificates20191ClassBMember_7a785730-10f8-4750-a622-d110f67df61e" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PassThroughCertificates20191ClassBMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificates20191ClassBMember_7a785730-10f8-4750-a622-d110f67df61e" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NYTDCSpecialFacilitiesRevenueBondsSeries2020Member_5f940c37-0ac0-470e-a6d2-67cdb4b10791" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NYTDCSpecialFacilitiesRevenueBondsSeries2020Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_NYTDCSpecialFacilitiesRevenueBondsSeries2020Member_5f940c37-0ac0-470e-a6d2-67cdb4b10791" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_CreditFacilitiesAndSkyMilesProgramMember_bf34bc2e-fdd8-4dcf-8a2f-4cd93ad469a8" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_CreditFacilitiesAndSkyMilesProgramMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_CreditFacilitiesAndSkyMilesProgramMember_bf34bc2e-fdd8-4dcf-8a2f-4cd93ad469a8" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SkyMilesProgramMember_013f78ef-4dd4-472e-a1e6-14bc42e7a959" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SkyMilesProgramMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0d665d6a-3bd8-460a-bc7f-cd304e3f4903" xlink:to="loc_dal_SkyMilesProgramMember_013f78ef-4dd4-472e-a1e6-14bc42e7a959" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9e7bba04-fa39-4293-a917-f0138a54b074" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_eb6bdabd-4261-4544-b41c-b281d4b86f8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9e7bba04-fa39-4293-a917-f0138a54b074" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9e7bba04-fa39-4293-a917-f0138a54b074_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9e7bba04-fa39-4293-a917-f0138a54b074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9e7bba04-fa39-4293-a917-f0138a54b074_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_a1f76583-225a-46a8-95e1-73a4543d1d17" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9e7bba04-fa39-4293-a917-f0138a54b074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_a1f76583-225a-46a8-95e1-73a4543d1d17" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_0700dd09-ff7f-460d-8208-954f63f39ce7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_a1f76583-225a-46a8-95e1-73a4543d1d17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_0700dd09-ff7f-460d-8208-954f63f39ce7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_3796b745-cd25-4aa1-ac22-31a6c51d9d73" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_a1f76583-225a-46a8-95e1-73a4543d1d17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_3796b745-cd25-4aa1-ac22-31a6c51d9d73" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_c51e7d44-4021-4ef0-952a-2eef5bfd3d8a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_a1f76583-225a-46a8-95e1-73a4543d1d17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_c51e7d44-4021-4ef0-952a-2eef5bfd3d8a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BondsMember_3509e222-a0fb-4d6e-9107-ee64f0fcfcc7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BondsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_a1f76583-225a-46a8-95e1-73a4543d1d17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BondsMember_3509e222-a0fb-4d6e-9107-ee64f0fcfcc7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_5dcc2805-01ed-4557-a5c6-edad33018d48" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_eb6bdabd-4261-4544-b41c-b281d4b86f8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_5dcc2805-01ed-4557-a5c6-edad33018d48" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_5dcc2805-01ed-4557-a5c6-edad33018d48_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_5dcc2805-01ed-4557-a5c6-edad33018d48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_5dcc2805-01ed-4557-a5c6-edad33018d48_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_6577dafa-fc67-4aa5-888f-4a2a7b566d1a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_5dcc2805-01ed-4557-a5c6-edad33018d48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_6577dafa-fc67-4aa5-888f-4a2a7b566d1a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_ac87cb4a-2870-4cfc-a3b1-ab2ff17ede8a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayableMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_6577dafa-fc67-4aa5-888f-4a2a7b566d1a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_ac87cb4a-2870-4cfc-a3b1-ab2ff17ede8a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_5e108f1e-de1b-4045-8767-bc1cb1224bb9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_eb6bdabd-4261-4544-b41c-b281d4b86f8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_5e108f1e-de1b-4045-8767-bc1cb1224bb9" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_5e108f1e-de1b-4045-8767-bc1cb1224bb9_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_5e108f1e-de1b-4045-8767-bc1cb1224bb9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_5e108f1e-de1b-4045-8767-bc1cb1224bb9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_a63e5341-aebc-40ad-99d5-56aab84b97d8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_5e108f1e-de1b-4045-8767-bc1cb1224bb9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_a63e5341-aebc-40ad-99d5-56aab84b97d8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrantsMember_c4b99378-e8c5-449b-8a5f-9a5a7916310f" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrantsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_a63e5341-aebc-40ad-99d5-56aab84b97d8" xlink:to="loc_dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrantsMember_c4b99378-e8c5-449b-8a5f-9a5a7916310f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrants2021Member_7dfb43c9-7bdb-4389-b9de-5e402c68a088" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrants2021Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_a63e5341-aebc-40ad-99d5-56aab84b97d8" xlink:to="loc_dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrants2021Member_7dfb43c9-7bdb-4389-b9de-5e402c68a088" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7a53b550-1d76-43cb-bffa-81e24fe4ed16" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_eb6bdabd-4261-4544-b41c-b281d4b86f8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7a53b550-1d76-43cb-bffa-81e24fe4ed16" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7a53b550-1d76-43cb-bffa-81e24fe4ed16_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7a53b550-1d76-43cb-bffa-81e24fe4ed16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7a53b550-1d76-43cb-bffa-81e24fe4ed16_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_166585e8-0b42-4f4e-98f2-e6a009b67b5a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7a53b550-1d76-43cb-bffa-81e24fe4ed16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_166585e8-0b42-4f4e-98f2-e6a009b67b5a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_ff15637e-111f-42e4-915e-f8ef888f7c06" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_166585e8-0b42-4f4e-98f2-e6a009b67b5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_ff15637e-111f-42e4-915e-f8ef888f7c06" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_5159aefa-8613-4058-be4d-6e367847499c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_eb6bdabd-4261-4544-b41c-b281d4b86f8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_5159aefa-8613-4058-be4d-6e367847499c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5159aefa-8613-4058-be4d-6e367847499c_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_5159aefa-8613-4058-be4d-6e367847499c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5159aefa-8613-4058-be4d-6e367847499c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_b378d083-8ced-4037-9009-a2a8b1afeb8b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_5159aefa-8613-4058-be4d-6e367847499c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_b378d083-8ced-4037-9009-a2a8b1afeb8b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_eddad61e-aa9e-451a-9fda-5e67b9f3b35f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_b378d083-8ced-4037-9009-a2a8b1afeb8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_eddad61e-aa9e-451a-9fda-5e67b9f3b35f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_0de0b62d-0c92-4066-bc1e-289fe1ab99ee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_eb6bdabd-4261-4544-b41c-b281d4b86f8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_0de0b62d-0c92-4066-bc1e-289fe1ab99ee" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0de0b62d-0c92-4066-bc1e-289fe1ab99ee_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_0de0b62d-0c92-4066-bc1e-289fe1ab99ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0de0b62d-0c92-4066-bc1e-289fe1ab99ee_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0d33e418-42d0-4aa0-80bb-ec0e4c7718a1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_0de0b62d-0c92-4066-bc1e-289fe1ab99ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0d33e418-42d0-4aa0-80bb-ec0e4c7718a1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_c6819e02-5e7b-40c2-b300-864aa8947e6a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0d33e418-42d0-4aa0-80bb-ec0e4c7718a1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_c6819e02-5e7b-40c2-b300-864aa8947e6a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_6219ba77-50c7-4b53-b06c-074d2fced8b5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_eb6bdabd-4261-4544-b41c-b281d4b86f8b" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_6219ba77-50c7-4b53-b06c-074d2fced8b5" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6219ba77-50c7-4b53-b06c-074d2fced8b5_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_6219ba77-50c7-4b53-b06c-074d2fced8b5" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6219ba77-50c7-4b53-b06c-074d2fced8b5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_d541ef46-e884-42e7-b7e9-6c9fa67ec48f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_6219ba77-50c7-4b53-b06c-074d2fced8b5" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_d541ef46-e884-42e7-b7e9-6c9fa67ec48f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_38ba5b02-db24-4eb5-8ea6-6e98bc9eee74" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_d541ef46-e884-42e7-b7e9-6c9fa67ec48f" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_38ba5b02-db24-4eb5-8ea6-6e98bc9eee74" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/Debt20201EETCDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#Debt20201EETCDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/Debt20201EETCDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i047bf55ad1e5420bbbb99e1adbf9b73c_Debt20201EETCDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_219dea34-b19a-4c6d-a70f-e9b87f3410ca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_67a3ecbc-f5e9-4537-8187-30e7c98fda75" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_219dea34-b19a-4c6d-a70f-e9b87f3410ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_67a3ecbc-f5e9-4537-8187-30e7c98fda75" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_0bd90916-74da-4473-b9b1-b633c4027973" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_219dea34-b19a-4c6d-a70f-e9b87f3410ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_0bd90916-74da-4473-b9b1-b633c4027973" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIssuanceDate1_befd7400-8127-4af3-89dc-9aa42fbc8778" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIssuanceDate1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_219dea34-b19a-4c6d-a70f-e9b87f3410ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIssuanceDate1_befd7400-8127-4af3-89dc-9aa42fbc8778" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_05e85e94-3dc9-45e6-83ea-5bc3c99b8516" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_219dea34-b19a-4c6d-a70f-e9b87f3410ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_05e85e94-3dc9-45e6-83ea-5bc3c99b8516" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_e3ae462a-1edb-415e-9f04-5f0bb9db526e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_219dea34-b19a-4c6d-a70f-e9b87f3410ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_e3ae462a-1edb-415e-9f04-5f0bb9db526e" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_a6ba31a0-9454-4729-91da-f36d1896e25e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_e3ae462a-1edb-415e-9f04-5f0bb9db526e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_a6ba31a0-9454-4729-91da-f36d1896e25e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_a6ba31a0-9454-4729-91da-f36d1896e25e_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_a6ba31a0-9454-4729-91da-f36d1896e25e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_a6ba31a0-9454-4729-91da-f36d1896e25e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_810220b2-3d3a-404f-80c4-ff8674b0e0da" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_a6ba31a0-9454-4729-91da-f36d1896e25e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_810220b2-3d3a-404f-80c4-ff8674b0e0da" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificatesSeries20201Member_4d0f0405-dd97-4db4-b5a4-df52510bdd66" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PassThroughCertificatesSeries20201Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_810220b2-3d3a-404f-80c4-ff8674b0e0da" xlink:to="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificatesSeries20201Member_4d0f0405-dd97-4db4-b5a4-df52510bdd66" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificates20201ClassAAMember_0834acf4-5429-4526-8694-9547ba2eaa4a" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PassThroughCertificates20201ClassAAMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificatesSeries20201Member_4d0f0405-dd97-4db4-b5a4-df52510bdd66" xlink:to="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificates20201ClassAAMember_0834acf4-5429-4526-8694-9547ba2eaa4a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificates20201ClassAMember_d1eea32f-2023-42b9-b879-ba62381e8530" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PassThroughCertificates20201ClassAMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificatesSeries20201Member_4d0f0405-dd97-4db4-b5a4-df52510bdd66" xlink:to="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificates20201ClassAMember_d1eea32f-2023-42b9-b879-ba62381e8530" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificates20201ClassBMember_5210310c-f242-42a7-8a3b-16e4231ffc67" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PassThroughCertificates20201ClassBMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificatesSeries20201Member_4d0f0405-dd97-4db4-b5a4-df52510bdd66" xlink:to="loc_dal_PassThroughCertificates20201ClassBMember_5210310c-f242-42a7-8a3b-16e4231ffc67" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_082c4ff5-7b77-4262-b14a-33d3bf4656f8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_e3ae462a-1edb-415e-9f04-5f0bb9db526e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_082c4ff5-7b77-4262-b14a-33d3bf4656f8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_082c4ff5-7b77-4262-b14a-33d3bf4656f8_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_082c4ff5-7b77-4262-b14a-33d3bf4656f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_082c4ff5-7b77-4262-b14a-33d3bf4656f8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8140c6a5-08e6-4ded-9721-f07fa548a796" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_082c4ff5-7b77-4262-b14a-33d3bf4656f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8140c6a5-08e6-4ded-9721-f07fa548a796" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_dfc8a314-d566-4b1e-8fcd-34f5022fa3d3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8140c6a5-08e6-4ded-9721-f07fa548a796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_dfc8a314-d566-4b1e-8fcd-34f5022fa3d3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/DebtFairValueofDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#DebtFairValueofDebtDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/DebtFairValueofDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i1b87c6080e14435bb8ab36202e55122f_DebtFairValueofDebtDetails"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/DebtFutureMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#DebtFutureMaturitiesDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/DebtFutureMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i55f638e142f74cb6a4e7be09ee96f8f6_DebtFutureMaturitiesDetails"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#Leases"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="extended" id="i9c8740ca947649d285dc3ca95dbda116_Leases"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#LeasesTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" id="i9febfd8e73844ccf98d657a8a989d086_LeasesTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#LeasesNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i82497f83bfad4102b6c9215295ff3726_LeasesNarrativeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_LeaseNumberOfLeases_07d0eaa2-da03-4399-85a5-bd066fe736dd" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_LeaseNumberOfLeases"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_dal_LeaseNumberOfLeases_07d0eaa2-da03-4399-85a5-bd066fe736dd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_FinanceLeaseNumberOfLeases_be1d2ffd-7f31-4530-8661-d3b095b4296d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_FinanceLeaseNumberOfLeases"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_dal_FinanceLeaseNumberOfLeases_be1d2ffd-7f31-4530-8661-d3b095b4296d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_OperatingLeaseNumberOfLeases_ecd26d50-f3ef-4a86-ae88-2570930e8077" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_OperatingLeaseNumberOfLeases"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_dal_OperatingLeaseNumberOfLeases_ecd26d50-f3ef-4a86-ae88-2570930e8077" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeFinanceLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_0f20bddb-c725-41b6-805f-1580b9d78d16" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeFinanceLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeFinanceLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_0f20bddb-c725-41b6-805f-1580b9d78d16" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_aa68c3c7-adcf-4c0c-9fe7-11ac9116509f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_aa68c3c7-adcf-4c0c-9fe7-11ac9116509f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_LeaseComponentOfPurchaseAgreementsNumberOfAircraft_e5b4bd40-de05-4dda-9608-196fed960559" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_LeaseComponentOfPurchaseAgreementsNumberOfAircraft"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_dal_LeaseComponentOfPurchaseAgreementsNumberOfAircraft_e5b4bd40-de05-4dda-9608-196fed960559" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_OperatingLeaseNumberOfAirportsWithFacilitySpaceUnderLease_da442f9a-339e-478f-8ea1-28fc362fe1d6" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_OperatingLeaseNumberOfAirportsWithFacilitySpaceUnderLease"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_dal_OperatingLeaseNumberOfAirportsWithFacilitySpaceUnderLease_da442f9a-339e-478f-8ea1-28fc362fe1d6" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProceedsFromSaleLeaseback_43706a67-75d7-414c-afd1-5fb68e9a0efd" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProceedsFromSaleLeaseback"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProceedsFromSaleLeaseback_43706a67-75d7-414c-afd1-5fb68e9a0efd" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftInSaleLeasebackTransactions_81d7dcd7-2b5e-45d8-931c-2d00ce29fd66" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfAircraftInSaleLeasebackTransactions"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftInSaleLeasebackTransactions_81d7dcd7-2b5e-45d8-931c-2d00ce29fd66" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfSaleLeasebackTransactionsNotQualifyAsSale_945b6efb-006d-4400-a703-b1b768e8fbb1" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfSaleLeasebackTransactionsNotQualifyAsSale"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfSaleLeasebackTransactionsNotQualifyAsSale_945b6efb-006d-4400-a703-b1b768e8fbb1" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfSaleLeasebackTransactionsQualifyAsSale_2dbe6f22-8675-4435-9cd6-d1422d99f212" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfSaleLeasebackTransactionsQualifyAsSale"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfSaleLeasebackTransactionsQualifyAsSale_2dbe6f22-8675-4435-9cd6-d1422d99f212" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_LesseeFinanceLeaseAndOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedAmount_6f7efa60-7bac-4489-8a89-2766e75ad494" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_LesseeFinanceLeaseAndOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_dal_LesseeFinanceLeaseAndOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedAmount_6f7efa60-7bac-4489-8a89-2766e75ad494" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_LesseeFinanceLeaseAndOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract_1cafabe5-fee5-41d0-a7ec-29de528ba60f" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_LesseeFinanceLeaseAndOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_dal_LesseeFinanceLeaseAndOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract_1cafabe5-fee5-41d0-a7ec-29de528ba60f" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_35d93c75-16f9-4021-9c5c-33ccbc8ef6bb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_61a7c68a-9247-4c7e-a70f-f3ca9c8ce005" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_35d93c75-16f9-4021-9c5c-33ccbc8ef6bb" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_5593efc5-aeae-4533-a21f-9481c1432f86" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_35d93c75-16f9-4021-9c5c-33ccbc8ef6bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_5593efc5-aeae-4533-a21f-9481c1432f86" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_5593efc5-aeae-4533-a21f-9481c1432f86_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_5593efc5-aeae-4533-a21f-9481c1432f86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_5593efc5-aeae-4533-a21f-9481c1432f86_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2f37068a-641a-45f9-92e5-5b8f7f9b648c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_5593efc5-aeae-4533-a21f-9481c1432f86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2f37068a-641a-45f9-92e5-5b8f7f9b648c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AircraftMember_9d07d9d6-61da-4603-8c03-cbe9f64ff531" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AircraftMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2f37068a-641a-45f9-92e5-5b8f7f9b648c" xlink:to="loc_dal_AircraftMember_9d07d9d6-61da-4603-8c03-cbe9f64ff531" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AirportFacilitiesMember_e7c5ea87-497c-4040-881c-4b89ae30e753" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AirportFacilitiesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2f37068a-641a-45f9-92e5-5b8f7f9b648c" xlink:to="loc_dal_AirportFacilitiesMember_e7c5ea87-497c-4040-881c-4b89ae30e753" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_GroundPropertyAndEquipmentMember_5bd53f91-a5a7-44f6-a095-13676fa7813d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_GroundPropertyAndEquipmentMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2f37068a-641a-45f9-92e5-5b8f7f9b648c" xlink:to="loc_dal_GroundPropertyAndEquipmentMember_5bd53f91-a5a7-44f6-a095-13676fa7813d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7cb4b34f-8b60-4b00-8437-33721190ce5f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_35d93c75-16f9-4021-9c5c-33ccbc8ef6bb" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7cb4b34f-8b60-4b00-8437-33721190ce5f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_7cb4b34f-8b60-4b00-8437-33721190ce5f_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7cb4b34f-8b60-4b00-8437-33721190ce5f" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_7cb4b34f-8b60-4b00-8437-33721190ce5f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_74c0bb89-4330-4410-99be-a25c993ac8a1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7cb4b34f-8b60-4b00-8437-33721190ce5f" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_74c0bb89-4330-4410-99be-a25c993ac8a1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_d9c09c46-b82c-4e9f-a44a-89667fc3b12b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_74c0bb89-4330-4410-99be-a25c993ac8a1" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_d9c09c46-b82c-4e9f-a44a-89667fc3b12b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_07f67975-344e-48c2-82a1-0bf9adb35ef6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_74c0bb89-4330-4410-99be-a25c993ac8a1" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_07f67975-344e-48c2-82a1-0bf9adb35ef6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionDescriptionAxis_d95909ba-462e-495c-adab-b802d5d0f4dd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionDescriptionAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_35d93c75-16f9-4021-9c5c-33ccbc8ef6bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionDescriptionAxis_d95909ba-462e-495c-adab-b802d5d0f4dd" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNameDomain_d95909ba-462e-495c-adab-b802d5d0f4dd_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionDescriptionAxis_d95909ba-462e-495c-adab-b802d5d0f4dd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNameDomain_d95909ba-462e-495c-adab-b802d5d0f4dd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNameDomain_f89cc599-d62a-4514-8be0-6add63303d32" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionDescriptionAxis_d95909ba-462e-495c-adab-b802d5d0f4dd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNameDomain_f89cc599-d62a-4514-8be0-6add63303d32" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AircraftSaleLeasebackMember_a723564b-bc25-4bc9-b538-036300c37137" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AircraftSaleLeasebackMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNameDomain_f89cc599-d62a-4514-8be0-6add63303d32" xlink:to="loc_dal_AircraftSaleLeasebackMember_a723564b-bc25-4bc9-b538-036300c37137" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_855c4064-d71f-43de-a3ef-8176dee851e7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_35d93c75-16f9-4021-9c5c-33ccbc8ef6bb" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_855c4064-d71f-43de-a3ef-8176dee851e7" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_855c4064-d71f-43de-a3ef-8176dee851e7_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_855c4064-d71f-43de-a3ef-8176dee851e7" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_855c4064-d71f-43de-a3ef-8176dee851e7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_53753a7d-5ec9-4486-b7fb-a7309ae72815" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_855c4064-d71f-43de-a3ef-8176dee851e7" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_53753a7d-5ec9-4486-b7fb-a7309ae72815" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_A321200Member_dff6a029-8d2a-4365-ac37-31a824913d54" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_A321200Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_53753a7d-5ec9-4486-b7fb-a7309ae72815" xlink:to="loc_dal_A321200Member_dff6a029-8d2a-4365-ac37-31a824913d54" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_A220100Member_f96a31cb-b717-41f0-a292-ba8f4bc78ec9" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_A220100Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_53753a7d-5ec9-4486-b7fb-a7309ae72815" xlink:to="loc_dal_A220100Member_f96a31cb-b717-41f0-a292-ba8f4bc78ec9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CRJ900Member_61701d2f-dee8-4308-a0b1-fddb382f6142" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CRJ900Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_53753a7d-5ec9-4486-b7fb-a7309ae72815" xlink:to="loc_srt_CRJ900Member_61701d2f-dee8-4308-a0b1-fddb382f6142" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_B737900ERMember_cb17970e-b4c2-4a74-97f6-2c50b10f06a7" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_B737900ERMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_53753a7d-5ec9-4486-b7fb-a7309ae72815" xlink:to="loc_dal_B737900ERMember_cb17970e-b4c2-4a74-97f6-2c50b10f06a7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_A330900Member_9e47d6be-4048-4bde-8369-2ab155713d86" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_A330900Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_53753a7d-5ec9-4486-b7fb-a7309ae72815" xlink:to="loc_dal_A330900Member_9e47d6be-4048-4bde-8369-2ab155713d86" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/LeasesLeasePositionDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#LeasesLeasePositionDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/LeasesLeasePositionDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i2171dc920cb7460aa7335a4ea7f3f725_LeasesLeasePositionDetails"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/LeasesLeaseCostsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#LeasesLeaseCostsDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/LeasesLeaseCostsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="iceed552e2f6548c2a13862a919ba3b17_LeasesLeaseCostsDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_1ea23e4c-5ed2-409f-b26b-f81f7132ebf9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_11e767bd-fbde-4f17-b77c-5fa17e6be33f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_1ea23e4c-5ed2-409f-b26b-f81f7132ebf9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_11e767bd-fbde-4f17-b77c-5fa17e6be33f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_235f9c03-2489-4d62-aa2d-1a2022bcfa88" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_1ea23e4c-5ed2-409f-b26b-f81f7132ebf9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_235f9c03-2489-4d62-aa2d-1a2022bcfa88" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_69f98593-f8ac-4c28-8ef7-40da5ad771a5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_1ea23e4c-5ed2-409f-b26b-f81f7132ebf9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_69f98593-f8ac-4c28-8ef7-40da5ad771a5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_e44b1044-64f8-4458-be9b-6b497aa4b970" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_1ea23e4c-5ed2-409f-b26b-f81f7132ebf9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_e44b1044-64f8-4458-be9b-6b497aa4b970" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_da51fc74-9f08-4cb5-9c84-39a0b2a70749" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_1ea23e4c-5ed2-409f-b26b-f81f7132ebf9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_da51fc74-9f08-4cb5-9c84-39a0b2a70749" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost_e5be792e-7b4d-4318-ad90-16c0f0ba5cfd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCost"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_1ea23e4c-5ed2-409f-b26b-f81f7132ebf9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost_e5be792e-7b4d-4318-ad90-16c0f0ba5cfd" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_88712503-40e5-4dd4-8f8c-ee3eae69103e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_1ea23e4c-5ed2-409f-b26b-f81f7132ebf9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_88712503-40e5-4dd4-8f8c-ee3eae69103e" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_acf8c05c-fb6c-4e6f-85ea-1002a7a601af" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_88712503-40e5-4dd4-8f8c-ee3eae69103e" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_acf8c05c-fb6c-4e6f-85ea-1002a7a601af" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_acf8c05c-fb6c-4e6f-85ea-1002a7a601af_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_acf8c05c-fb6c-4e6f-85ea-1002a7a601af" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_acf8c05c-fb6c-4e6f-85ea-1002a7a601af_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6e37249a-ed30-4a55-a27b-09f17aabc985" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_acf8c05c-fb6c-4e6f-85ea-1002a7a601af" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6e37249a-ed30-4a55-a27b-09f17aabc985" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegionalCarrierMember_3d805cb6-59f7-4cfd-b47f-43f2e7cfe1f1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegionalCarrierMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6e37249a-ed30-4a55-a27b-09f17aabc985" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegionalCarrierMember_3d805cb6-59f7-4cfd-b47f-43f2e7cfe1f1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/LeasesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#LeasesOtherInformationDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/LeasesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ie34ffe2c7efa4af29c17196423cac2ed_LeasesOtherInformationDetails"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/LeasesUndiscountedCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#LeasesUndiscountedCashFlowsDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/LeasesUndiscountedCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i90edd556a5414b8da62e93a105417d1b_LeasesUndiscountedCashFlowsDetails"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/AirportRedevelopment" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#AirportRedevelopment"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/AirportRedevelopment" xlink:type="extended" id="i7484348f9df149b880a534e18b8498d7_AirportRedevelopment"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/AirportRedevelopmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#AirportRedevelopmentDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/AirportRedevelopmentDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i4927db063bc14ff18b73e0aac3ccf058_AirportRedevelopmentDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_a12cd8f5-4d57-4cd8-b1ee-8629c99dc6a0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_a12cd8f5-4d57-4cd8-b1ee-8629c99dc6a0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SpecialProjectBondsFaceAmountIssuedByOthers_91ed1e0d-e485-425b-954a-93387f03f4f9" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SpecialProjectBondsFaceAmountIssuedByOthers"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_dal_SpecialProjectBondsFaceAmountIssuedByOthers_91ed1e0d-e485-425b-954a-93387f03f4f9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_RedevelopmentProjectTotalProjectCostsExpected_a2e7d84a-29b6-4ab7-a560-a2f5db199aae" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_RedevelopmentProjectTotalProjectCostsExpected"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_dal_RedevelopmentProjectTotalProjectCostsExpected_a2e7d84a-29b6-4ab7-a560-a2f5db199aae" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_c6007764-40bd-48bc-a2ed-4e757f1bc02a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_c6007764-40bd-48bc-a2ed-4e757f1bc02a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_RedevelopmentProjectTotalAppropriationToDateByCounterparty_1a00822c-3dd2-4408-b398-1bda508ffe7b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_RedevelopmentProjectTotalAppropriationToDateByCounterparty"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_dal_RedevelopmentProjectTotalAppropriationToDateByCounterparty_1a00822c-3dd2-4408-b398-1bda508ffe7b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_RedevelopmentProjectMaximumReimbursementByCounterparty_fa2787ba-119f-47dc-a8b8-1290fdbf0395" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_RedevelopmentProjectMaximumReimbursementByCounterparty"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_dal_RedevelopmentProjectMaximumReimbursementByCounterparty_fa2787ba-119f-47dc-a8b8-1290fdbf0395" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_RedevelopmentProjectNetProjectCostsExpected_32d41498-669b-4c72-b94d-e56bab443afb" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_RedevelopmentProjectNetProjectCostsExpected"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_dal_RedevelopmentProjectNetProjectCostsExpected_32d41498-669b-4c72-b94d-e56bab443afb" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProjectCostsReflectedAsInvestingCashFlows_74086d31-d5d5-4256-8ae9-1ef656ec6e6f" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProjectCostsReflectedAsInvestingCashFlows"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProjectCostsReflectedAsInvestingCashFlows_74086d31-d5d5-4256-8ae9-1ef656ec6e6f" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProjectCostsPaidDuringPeriod_7d231c7f-82f8-4a2b-83e8-bc606de7fa3e" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProjectCostsPaidDuringPeriod"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProjectCostsPaidDuringPeriod_7d231c7f-82f8-4a2b-83e8-bc606de7fa3e" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProjectCostsPaidDuringPeriodCreditFacility_b47d5ab3-7a52-4be1-931a-b250ea8db4f4" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProjectCostsPaidDuringPeriodCreditFacility"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProjectCostsPaidDuringPeriodCreditFacility_b47d5ab3-7a52-4be1-931a-b250ea8db4f4" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ProjectCostsPaidDuringPeriodCompanyDirect_6c5e5276-e494-4a3f-af96-90307054d80d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ProjectCostsPaidDuringPeriodCompanyDirect"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_dal_ProjectCostsPaidDuringPeriodCompanyDirect_6c5e5276-e494-4a3f-af96-90307054d80d" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContributionsInAidOfConstruction_fb5a4837-a068-4bb7-90b3-9fa8aec5f775" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContributionsInAidOfConstruction"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContributionsInAidOfConstruction_fb5a4837-a068-4bb7-90b3-9fa8aec5f775" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_8efad7cc-51b5-40dc-bd1c-d120f5ebaee5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_2e59f3d6-2358-4e81-898e-d91c839abe76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_8efad7cc-51b5-40dc-bd1c-d120f5ebaee5" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_b5a49d2a-e469-4c9d-bbef-2ff608d3b209" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_8efad7cc-51b5-40dc-bd1c-d120f5ebaee5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_b5a49d2a-e469-4c9d-bbef-2ff608d3b209" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_b5a49d2a-e469-4c9d-bbef-2ff608d3b209_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_b5a49d2a-e469-4c9d-bbef-2ff608d3b209" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_b5a49d2a-e469-4c9d-bbef-2ff608d3b209_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_522a6cc0-88c3-422c-9f9a-356d9cb0472e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_b5a49d2a-e469-4c9d-bbef-2ff608d3b209" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_522a6cc0-88c3-422c-9f9a-356d9cb0472e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_LosAngelesInternationalAirportProjectMember_66e737c8-3a96-4e04-8a5f-5019db0e3d6b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_LosAngelesInternationalAirportProjectMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_522a6cc0-88c3-422c-9f9a-356d9cb0472e" xlink:to="loc_dal_LosAngelesInternationalAirportProjectMember_66e737c8-3a96-4e04-8a5f-5019db0e3d6b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NewYorkLaGuardiaRedevelopmentProjectMember_5af905df-a3d8-4e5a-ad96-bf45f5929709" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NewYorkLaGuardiaRedevelopmentProjectMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_522a6cc0-88c3-422c-9f9a-356d9cb0472e" xlink:to="loc_dal_NewYorkLaGuardiaRedevelopmentProjectMember_5af905df-a3d8-4e5a-ad96-bf45f5929709" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_487b2bc1-a083-4304-bfc9-bc6c134ce0a2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_8efad7cc-51b5-40dc-bd1c-d120f5ebaee5" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_487b2bc1-a083-4304-bfc9-bc6c134ce0a2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_487b2bc1-a083-4304-bfc9-bc6c134ce0a2_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_487b2bc1-a083-4304-bfc9-bc6c134ce0a2" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_487b2bc1-a083-4304-bfc9-bc6c134ce0a2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_22463261-1d00-48e0-8090-3ce62cae8f53" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_487b2bc1-a083-4304-bfc9-bc6c134ce0a2" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_22463261-1d00-48e0-8090-3ce62cae8f53" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_JFKInternationalAirTerminalLLCIATMember_3e004f4c-efc3-47bb-b455-fdde27a9a5f0" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_JFKInternationalAirTerminalLLCIATMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_22463261-1d00-48e0-8090-3ce62cae8f53" xlink:to="loc_dal_JFKInternationalAirTerminalLLCIATMember_3e004f4c-efc3-47bb-b455-fdde27a9a5f0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PortAuthorityOfNewYorkAndNewJerseyMember_0054bcf2-7aad-41cc-8074-b73e21f8879d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PortAuthorityOfNewYorkAndNewJerseyMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_22463261-1d00-48e0-8090-3ce62cae8f53" xlink:to="loc_dal_PortAuthorityOfNewYorkAndNewJerseyMember_0054bcf2-7aad-41cc-8074-b73e21f8879d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NewYorkTransportationDevelopmentCorporationMember_c8bdde72-49d8-4c27-958f-a6c39b883a16" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NewYorkTransportationDevelopmentCorporationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_22463261-1d00-48e0-8090-3ce62cae8f53" xlink:to="loc_dal_NewYorkTransportationDevelopmentCorporationMember_c8bdde72-49d8-4c27-958f-a6c39b883a16" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_CityOfLosAngelesCaliforniaMember_fc869eb5-b684-4032-97f6-9c16a2820957" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_CityOfLosAngelesCaliforniaMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_22463261-1d00-48e0-8090-3ce62cae8f53" xlink:to="loc_dal_CityOfLosAngelesCaliforniaMember_fc869eb5-b684-4032-97f6-9c16a2820957" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_9f7f2d0f-8048-4a82-a1d1-1586da1fd0ed" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_8efad7cc-51b5-40dc-bd1c-d120f5ebaee5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_9f7f2d0f-8048-4a82-a1d1-1586da1fd0ed" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_9f7f2d0f-8048-4a82-a1d1-1586da1fd0ed_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_9f7f2d0f-8048-4a82-a1d1-1586da1fd0ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_9f7f2d0f-8048-4a82-a1d1-1586da1fd0ed_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_bf4bdf61-c6c3-4b3d-a35e-d650d44c2b53" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_9f7f2d0f-8048-4a82-a1d1-1586da1fd0ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_bf4bdf61-c6c3-4b3d-a35e-d650d44c2b53" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember_87d70306-2ff3-4516-958c-5705643a20b8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_bf4bdf61-c6c3-4b3d-a35e-d650d44c2b53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember_87d70306-2ff3-4516-958c-5705643a20b8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_0de17ffc-636a-4677-b592-4d992befabf3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_8efad7cc-51b5-40dc-bd1c-d120f5ebaee5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_0de17ffc-636a-4677-b592-4d992befabf3" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_0de17ffc-636a-4677-b592-4d992befabf3_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_0de17ffc-636a-4677-b592-4d992befabf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_0de17ffc-636a-4677-b592-4d992befabf3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_59015fe0-ab30-4425-89d3-654800c978ee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_0de17ffc-636a-4677-b592-4d992befabf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_59015fe0-ab30-4425-89d3-654800c978ee" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesPayableMember_e5c92ec5-a1ca-425d-968a-706b093c9c3c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesPayableMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_59015fe0-ab30-4425-89d3-654800c978ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesPayableMember_e5c92ec5-a1ca-425d-968a-706b093c9c3c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlans"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="extended" id="i8fce7d582e624c8ea303d5be4c165fbb_EmployeeBenefitPlans"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansTables" xlink:type="extended" id="ie2cc42163efa438288b4ae9249dae2bd_EmployeeBenefitPlansTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansBenefitObligationsFairValueofPlanAssetsandFundedStatusDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansBenefitObligationsFairValueofPlanAssetsandFundedStatusDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansBenefitObligationsFairValueofPlanAssetsandFundedStatusDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i195639a45fe0409ba1aba0d3688f1d83_EmployeeBenefitPlansBenefitObligationsFairValueofPlanAssetsandFundedStatusDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_d9bd3e41-2508-497b-8575-3726fa55f308" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_b451bfdf-4daf-43db-9561-27f4acfcd070" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_d9bd3e41-2508-497b-8575-3726fa55f308" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_b451bfdf-4daf-43db-9561-27f4acfcd070" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_b5c08bec-06b7-40f6-8fee-106bb610ae04" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_b451bfdf-4daf-43db-9561-27f4acfcd070" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_b5c08bec-06b7-40f6-8fee-106bb610ae04" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_23502ee3-ebb1-4866-956b-b75104a611d5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_b451bfdf-4daf-43db-9561-27f4acfcd070" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_23502ee3-ebb1-4866-956b-b75104a611d5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_e2b0ec67-b199-44b7-9fc9-eb4aff55ba82" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_b451bfdf-4daf-43db-9561-27f4acfcd070" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_e2b0ec67-b199-44b7-9fc9-eb4aff55ba82" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss_eaafb0a8-0cd4-43c3-a86e-27865b0087b5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_b451bfdf-4daf-43db-9561-27f4acfcd070" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss_eaafb0a8-0cd4-43c3-a86e-27865b0087b5" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid_218f358f-2914-42c0-9317-5fc85085e85d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_b451bfdf-4daf-43db-9561-27f4acfcd070" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid_218f358f-2914-42c0-9317-5fc85085e85d" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationContributionsByPlanParticipant_8cdebacf-2044-474d-aec7-be58b33f3eb3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationContributionsByPlanParticipant"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_b451bfdf-4daf-43db-9561-27f4acfcd070" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationContributionsByPlanParticipant_8cdebacf-2044-474d-aec7-be58b33f3eb3" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits_4e071936-a914-4fd4-b075-08b03c84cf1c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_b451bfdf-4daf-43db-9561-27f4acfcd070" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits_4e071936-a914-4fd4-b075-08b03c84cf1c" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationPaymentForSettlement_8524c906-127a-4766-a711-49231add5488" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationPaymentForSettlement"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_b451bfdf-4daf-43db-9561-27f4acfcd070" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationPaymentForSettlement_8524c906-127a-4766-a711-49231add5488" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_c0f66c65-406a-4e91-8816-3e0aecc23f5e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_f8559acb-d301-410e-a64d-66b39ebe0380" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_d9bd3e41-2508-497b-8575-3726fa55f308" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_f8559acb-d301-410e-a64d-66b39ebe0380" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_ac64fb71-312e-4486-9736-3fa432ce74a2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_f8559acb-d301-410e-a64d-66b39ebe0380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_ac64fb71-312e-4486-9736-3fa432ce74a2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets_d93d28de-dfb3-40ad-abd8-671e100e8c9f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_f8559acb-d301-410e-a64d-66b39ebe0380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets_d93d28de-dfb3-40ad-abd8-671e100e8c9f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_e970193a-4b16-4310-b230-22cc25758d25" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_f8559acb-d301-410e-a64d-66b39ebe0380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_e970193a-4b16-4310-b230-22cc25758d25" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipant_eb777726-efb9-4793-80f9-b624b9584304" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipant"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_f8559acb-d301-410e-a64d-66b39ebe0380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipant_eb777726-efb9-4793-80f9-b624b9584304" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid_0481f19f-0c7a-49e8-a5bb-d10921eb39a2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_f8559acb-d301-410e-a64d-66b39ebe0380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid_0481f19f-0c7a-49e8-a5bb-d10921eb39a2" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets_4709ecb9-47f9-4039-a6ba-0d3442b3f895" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_f8559acb-d301-410e-a64d-66b39ebe0380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets_4709ecb9-47f9-4039-a6ba-0d3442b3f895" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_8ece4f1d-68d4-45a9-b1d8-00d7e558a4cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract_b8e526fa-455d-4a9c-8f58-7c97b1ba74f1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_d9bd3e41-2508-497b-8575-3726fa55f308" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract_b8e526fa-455d-4a9c-8f58-7c97b1ba74f1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan_59841989-d0dd-465a-8269-bcbf3002bd7b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract_b8e526fa-455d-4a9c-8f58-7c97b1ba74f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan_59841989-d0dd-465a-8269-bcbf3002bd7b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_d949db70-a36a-4949-94c9-104951616d3a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_d9bd3e41-2508-497b-8575-3726fa55f308" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_d949db70-a36a-4949-94c9-104951616d3a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_55f02f0f-0c3f-4fbb-a108-e5b83f9387ed" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_d949db70-a36a-4949-94c9-104951616d3a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_55f02f0f-0c3f-4fbb-a108-e5b83f9387ed" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_55f02f0f-0c3f-4fbb-a108-e5b83f9387ed_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_55f02f0f-0c3f-4fbb-a108-e5b83f9387ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_55f02f0f-0c3f-4fbb-a108-e5b83f9387ed_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_d6e35c08-ff38-408a-823c-495ed36c3c2e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_55f02f0f-0c3f-4fbb-a108-e5b83f9387ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_d6e35c08-ff38-408a-823c-495ed36c3c2e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_29babb42-0ba7-4a67-9b2f-18f5bb5dd9bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_d6e35c08-ff38-408a-823c-495ed36c3c2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_29babb42-0ba7-4a67-9b2f-18f5bb5dd9bf" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_b9e49ba9-e44f-4bfd-a1f5-5b9d8708436b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_d6e35c08-ff38-408a-823c-495ed36c3c2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_b9e49ba9-e44f-4bfd-a1f5-5b9d8708436b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansBalanceSheetPositionDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansBalanceSheetPositionDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansBalanceSheetPositionDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ibab14cde8565419fa6ddededc28c4bc5_EmployeeBenefitPlansBalanceSheetPositionDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_7f990cdd-33da-40c1-9e91-61964dea321c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansNoncurrentLiabilitiesAbstract_eb79c0e5-52cb-45b5-8b0a-1ad40e921e71" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansNoncurrentLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_7f990cdd-33da-40c1-9e91-61964dea321c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansNoncurrentLiabilitiesAbstract_eb79c0e5-52cb-45b5-8b0a-1ad40e921e71" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities_b11dc09d-050d-4d49-a8ab-92b2f3542d4c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansNoncurrentLiabilitiesAbstract_eb79c0e5-52cb-45b5-8b0a-1ad40e921e71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities_b11dc09d-050d-4d49-a8ab-92b2f3542d4c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_d0798f83-6d4b-447e-8d84-4acde10159fa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansNoncurrentLiabilitiesAbstract_eb79c0e5-52cb-45b5-8b0a-1ad40e921e71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_d0798f83-6d4b-447e-8d84-4acde10159fa" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_43d66357-879a-432e-8c31-94998dd476bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansNoncurrentLiabilitiesAbstract_eb79c0e5-52cb-45b5-8b0a-1ad40e921e71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_43d66357-879a-432e-8c31-94998dd476bf" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_474c40bb-e706-4eba-9dd0-9156f2cb6d40" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_7f990cdd-33da-40c1-9e91-61964dea321c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_474c40bb-e706-4eba-9dd0-9156f2cb6d40" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax_1b09c996-5679-4e41-ad13-4fc7b1b1cb6a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_474c40bb-e706-4eba-9dd0-9156f2cb6d40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax_1b09c996-5679-4e41-ad13-4fc7b1b1cb6a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax_9e698a23-e65e-41e5-8f88-65198ac86553" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_474c40bb-e706-4eba-9dd0-9156f2cb6d40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax_9e698a23-e65e-41e5-8f88-65198ac86553" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax_6d1edb4f-eb9b-41dc-af0a-851ef3fe3bcc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_474c40bb-e706-4eba-9dd0-9156f2cb6d40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax_6d1edb4f-eb9b-41dc-af0a-851ef3fe3bcc" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_f0b6d617-e1f0-43da-b595-ae95fea3486a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_7f990cdd-33da-40c1-9e91-61964dea321c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_f0b6d617-e1f0-43da-b595-ae95fea3486a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_3c4ffe44-9161-4cf0-b8d2-234127199df0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_f0b6d617-e1f0-43da-b595-ae95fea3486a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_3c4ffe44-9161-4cf0-b8d2-234127199df0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3c4ffe44-9161-4cf0-b8d2-234127199df0_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_3c4ffe44-9161-4cf0-b8d2-234127199df0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3c4ffe44-9161-4cf0-b8d2-234127199df0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_0332f410-84e9-4be9-8039-de60e04676e5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_3c4ffe44-9161-4cf0-b8d2-234127199df0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_0332f410-84e9-4be9-8039-de60e04676e5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_bd1419e8-d42d-4ecb-b884-ca3790e07f49" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_0332f410-84e9-4be9-8039-de60e04676e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_bd1419e8-d42d-4ecb-b884-ca3790e07f49" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_07dc3d59-cbeb-4946-9246-85f3f63a2ae4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_0332f410-84e9-4be9-8039-de60e04676e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_07dc3d59-cbeb-4946-9246-85f3f63a2ae4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i2e50a0cc73c64b0381cfd8d4c68654b8_EmployeeBenefitPlansNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e754e5f0-d81e-4294-840a-0d306bd1abcd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_ec5ae3bc-9db1-423c-81a7-fc9427cc1141" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e754e5f0-d81e-4294-840a-0d306bd1abcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_ec5ae3bc-9db1-423c-81a7-fc9427cc1141" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_456c351a-7978-4b84-87b3-3dbf1344792e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e754e5f0-d81e-4294-840a-0d306bd1abcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_456c351a-7978-4b84-87b3-3dbf1344792e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_91298ff9-ee21-4ad7-87ab-cfc1a901f4ba" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e754e5f0-d81e-4294-840a-0d306bd1abcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_91298ff9-ee21-4ad7-87ab-cfc1a901f4ba" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_f0110ec9-e63a-4902-8cc9-daef51eb3576" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e754e5f0-d81e-4294-840a-0d306bd1abcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_f0110ec9-e63a-4902-8cc9-daef51eb3576" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_10bd79b9-1658-4d09-8fef-68363c49f662" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e754e5f0-d81e-4294-840a-0d306bd1abcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_10bd79b9-1658-4d09-8fef-68363c49f662" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1_ac0bbcac-ab92-478f-befc-726d4547a481" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e754e5f0-d81e-4294-840a-0d306bd1abcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1_ac0bbcac-ab92-478f-befc-726d4547a481" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_2a54cc16-cdae-4917-9073-8fb06619ff3c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e754e5f0-d81e-4294-840a-0d306bd1abcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_2a54cc16-cdae-4917-9073-8fb06619ff3c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_42770484-9648-4a4f-aa72-fab5e5d8d5a2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e754e5f0-d81e-4294-840a-0d306bd1abcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_42770484-9648-4a4f-aa72-fab5e5d8d5a2" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_cb95d2a4-272d-4c8c-9260-c3f24391c557" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e754e5f0-d81e-4294-840a-0d306bd1abcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_cb95d2a4-272d-4c8c-9260-c3f24391c557" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_d60d5421-7f20-495b-89fe-70e442ff9ac9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e754e5f0-d81e-4294-840a-0d306bd1abcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_d60d5421-7f20-495b-89fe-70e442ff9ac9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_90fc52a0-ed9e-4b84-a2fe-9f0a731a70bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_d60d5421-7f20-495b-89fe-70e442ff9ac9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_90fc52a0-ed9e-4b84-a2fe-9f0a731a70bc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_90fc52a0-ed9e-4b84-a2fe-9f0a731a70bc_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_90fc52a0-ed9e-4b84-a2fe-9f0a731a70bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_90fc52a0-ed9e-4b84-a2fe-9f0a731a70bc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_c67c41ba-94eb-4846-a164-ca24a1b06e2b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_90fc52a0-ed9e-4b84-a2fe-9f0a731a70bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_c67c41ba-94eb-4846-a164-ca24a1b06e2b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_b45cdaed-ea85-40a1-af8a-6419c73fe61e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_c67c41ba-94eb-4846-a164-ca24a1b06e2b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_b45cdaed-ea85-40a1-af8a-6419c73fe61e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_e9d2048f-1f2f-4011-b413-212e40f6291f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_c67c41ba-94eb-4846-a164-ca24a1b06e2b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_e9d2048f-1f2f-4011-b413-212e40f6291f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansAssumptionsUsedtoDetermineBenefitObligationandNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansAssumptionsUsedtoDetermineBenefitObligationandNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansAssumptionsUsedtoDetermineBenefitObligationandNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i9cc7a63ed51e450f95ab785d40ccd3a6_EmployeeBenefitPlansAssumptionsUsedtoDetermineBenefitObligationandNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_a08548c6-6fa6-4b58-a55e-0be5540a64ca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate_98782084-99a3-4e33-8ff2-06271e3e231e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_a08548c6-6fa6-4b58-a55e-0be5540a64ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate_98782084-99a3-4e33-8ff2-06271e3e231e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate_03959042-4871-44a3-8d25-9600061ef0ca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_a08548c6-6fa6-4b58-a55e-0be5540a64ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate_03959042-4871-44a3-8d25-9600061ef0ca" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_2822edde-161f-41ca-a8a3-27ac25ea802b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_a08548c6-6fa6-4b58-a55e-0be5540a64ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_2822edde-161f-41ca-a8a3-27ac25ea802b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedNextFiscalYear_3bc82811-274f-4897-b7a9-30555b983fa7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedNextFiscalYear"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_a08548c6-6fa6-4b58-a55e-0be5540a64ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedNextFiscalYear_3bc82811-274f-4897-b7a9-30555b983fa7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate1_7095a45a-57e7-459e-a48a-82df41bafc29" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_a08548c6-6fa6-4b58-a55e-0be5540a64ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate1_7095a45a-57e7-459e-a48a-82df41bafc29" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_63d635ac-4795-4957-9840-792727e93aa1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_a08548c6-6fa6-4b58-a55e-0be5540a64ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_63d635ac-4795-4957-9840-792727e93aa1" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_dc98df2f-86c5-44ed-b694-3dbc90104934" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_63d635ac-4795-4957-9840-792727e93aa1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_dc98df2f-86c5-44ed-b694-3dbc90104934" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_dc98df2f-86c5-44ed-b694-3dbc90104934_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_dc98df2f-86c5-44ed-b694-3dbc90104934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_dc98df2f-86c5-44ed-b694-3dbc90104934_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_4636af41-bd3f-4e72-ab3f-de38b9ed5c22" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_dc98df2f-86c5-44ed-b694-3dbc90104934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_4636af41-bd3f-4e72-ab3f-de38b9ed5c22" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_8a0692e6-3e1a-4ce0-b3c8-32ebfc4a4b5e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_4636af41-bd3f-4e72-ab3f-de38b9ed5c22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_8a0692e6-3e1a-4ce0-b3c8-32ebfc4a4b5e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_cfb6fe12-609a-43ea-a263-227b00dc21ef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_4636af41-bd3f-4e72-ab3f-de38b9ed5c22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_cfb6fe12-609a-43ea-a263-227b00dc21ef" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPensionPlansPostretirementOrSupplementalPlansDefinedBenefitMember_8433e8cf-3e3f-40dd-8b47-4c15c558e2c7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPensionPlansPostretirementOrSupplementalPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_4636af41-bd3f-4e72-ab3f-de38b9ed5c22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPensionPlansPostretirementOrSupplementalPlansDefinedBenefitMember_8433e8cf-3e3f-40dd-8b47-4c15c558e2c7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansExpectedBenefitPaymentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansExpectedBenefitPaymentsDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansExpectedBenefitPaymentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i9e1d0ff13db244cab5daef8f66b0929d_EmployeeBenefitPlansExpectedBenefitPaymentsDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_c70c772c-48e1-48e6-b821-7ef66c63d019" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_ade9e2c3-2151-44ed-a401-90e6ec72318a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_c70c772c-48e1-48e6-b821-7ef66c63d019" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_ade9e2c3-2151-44ed-a401-90e6ec72318a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths_15319c0d-78af-4a50-bca3-75219fb112c2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_ade9e2c3-2151-44ed-a401-90e6ec72318a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths_15319c0d-78af-4a50-bca3-75219fb112c2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo_86853fd0-1d0a-474f-bebc-12a605d076c9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_ade9e2c3-2151-44ed-a401-90e6ec72318a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo_86853fd0-1d0a-474f-bebc-12a605d076c9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_578a67b1-18ac-47fb-8e55-bdfbf24fe918" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_ade9e2c3-2151-44ed-a401-90e6ec72318a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_578a67b1-18ac-47fb-8e55-bdfbf24fe918" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_ea584922-0563-408b-9103-51fe27f1cf1a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_ade9e2c3-2151-44ed-a401-90e6ec72318a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_ea584922-0563-408b-9103-51fe27f1cf1a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_d2d08592-08b5-4683-8ed8-0b909bea271e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_ade9e2c3-2151-44ed-a401-90e6ec72318a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_d2d08592-08b5-4683-8ed8-0b909bea271e" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_58c6d75e-778a-48fc-a93e-770c240af952" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_ade9e2c3-2151-44ed-a401-90e6ec72318a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_58c6d75e-778a-48fc-a93e-770c240af952" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_a39ac9a0-e498-4e3e-842f-ce30fc96d05d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_c70c772c-48e1-48e6-b821-7ef66c63d019" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_a39ac9a0-e498-4e3e-842f-ce30fc96d05d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_48f4a66a-e17e-45f9-b997-31016fc0aaeb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_a39ac9a0-e498-4e3e-842f-ce30fc96d05d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_48f4a66a-e17e-45f9-b997-31016fc0aaeb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_48f4a66a-e17e-45f9-b997-31016fc0aaeb_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_48f4a66a-e17e-45f9-b997-31016fc0aaeb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_48f4a66a-e17e-45f9-b997-31016fc0aaeb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ba1bf66b-7b0e-408f-a612-30f437b4ecf6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_48f4a66a-e17e-45f9-b997-31016fc0aaeb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ba1bf66b-7b0e-408f-a612-30f437b4ecf6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_2df31de8-da7b-4984-844e-94ae67d40eb9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ba1bf66b-7b0e-408f-a612-30f437b4ecf6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_2df31de8-da7b-4984-844e-94ae67d40eb9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_69ea2ffd-e843-4e92-bf3f-1f7698ab2e23" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ba1bf66b-7b0e-408f-a612-30f437b4ecf6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_69ea2ffd-e843-4e92-bf3f-1f7698ab2e23" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansBenefitPlanAssetsMeasuredatFairValueonRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansBenefitPlanAssetsMeasuredatFairValueonRecurringBasisDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansBenefitPlanAssetsMeasuredatFairValueonRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i05b4bcf534174aceb9faca76c00604ee_EmployeeBenefitPlansBenefitPlanAssetsMeasuredatFairValueonRecurringBasisDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_2cb8fbe3-b206-4f91-aea5-38531f147662" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract_e45bdc40-111d-44be-aae8-586ae3ff47f5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_2cb8fbe3-b206-4f91-aea5-38531f147662" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract_e45bdc40-111d-44be-aae8-586ae3ff47f5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_e77cff37-edcc-41f6-b69f-ba2430e890c8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract_e45bdc40-111d-44be-aae8-586ae3ff47f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_e77cff37-edcc-41f6-b69f-ba2430e890c8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_2448d68f-89ec-40c1-9289-48beea47b26c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_2cb8fbe3-b206-4f91-aea5-38531f147662" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_2448d68f-89ec-40c1-9289-48beea47b26c" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1d32c5f6-0649-419f-8d45-eb4b6a342225" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_2448d68f-89ec-40c1-9289-48beea47b26c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1d32c5f6-0649-419f-8d45-eb4b6a342225" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_1d32c5f6-0649-419f-8d45-eb4b6a342225_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1d32c5f6-0649-419f-8d45-eb4b6a342225" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_1d32c5f6-0649-419f-8d45-eb4b6a342225_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_9831057a-6be8-405d-84c6-85ca20ba1ab1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1d32c5f6-0649-419f-8d45-eb4b6a342225" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_9831057a-6be8-405d-84c6-85ca20ba1ab1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_502d8a8d-ea83-4c10-a1eb-2178a48d2785" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_9831057a-6be8-405d-84c6-85ca20ba1ab1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_502d8a8d-ea83-4c10-a1eb-2178a48d2785" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_7f581cdd-6113-4c1d-acfe-d728a5c83c72" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_2448d68f-89ec-40c1-9289-48beea47b26c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_7f581cdd-6113-4c1d-acfe-d728a5c83c72" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7f581cdd-6113-4c1d-acfe-d728a5c83c72_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_7f581cdd-6113-4c1d-acfe-d728a5c83c72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7f581cdd-6113-4c1d-acfe-d728a5c83c72_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3db48f8c-37de-464f-a8bb-44cd5180c6f0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_7f581cdd-6113-4c1d-acfe-d728a5c83c72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3db48f8c-37de-464f-a8bb-44cd5180c6f0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel12And3Member_b989b633-6d03-45cc-a6d7-74abd29b57f6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel12And3Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3db48f8c-37de-464f-a8bb-44cd5180c6f0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel12And3Member_b989b633-6d03-45cc-a6d7-74abd29b57f6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_72b564be-9158-4952-b92e-584dea385131" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel12And3Member_b989b633-6d03-45cc-a6d7-74abd29b57f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_72b564be-9158-4952-b92e-584dea385131" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_d05eab3c-7d78-4921-a1c9-499f38f6544d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel12And3Member_b989b633-6d03-45cc-a6d7-74abd29b57f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_d05eab3c-7d78-4921-a1c9-499f38f6544d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredAtNetAssetValuePerShareMember_20a3bd77-3974-48e4-9dfe-6a6b5391d45b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredAtNetAssetValuePerShareMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3db48f8c-37de-464f-a8bb-44cd5180c6f0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredAtNetAssetValuePerShareMember_20a3bd77-3974-48e4-9dfe-6a6b5391d45b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_28649635-57c8-4116-8f8e-e07e94182b60" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_2448d68f-89ec-40c1-9289-48beea47b26c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_28649635-57c8-4116-8f8e-e07e94182b60" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_28649635-57c8-4116-8f8e-e07e94182b60_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_28649635-57c8-4116-8f8e-e07e94182b60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_28649635-57c8-4116-8f8e-e07e94182b60_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_3058d980-a869-4425-bd0d-602d3b043ed4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_28649635-57c8-4116-8f8e-e07e94182b60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_3058d980-a869-4425-bd0d-602d3b043ed4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecurityCommonStockIssuedByCompaniesExcludingEmployerMember_7203afed-c051-432b-98c8-509171489740" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecurityCommonStockIssuedByCompaniesExcludingEmployerMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_3058d980-a869-4425-bd0d-602d3b043ed4" xlink:to="loc_dal_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecurityCommonStockIssuedByCompaniesExcludingEmployerMember_7203afed-c051-432b-98c8-509171489740" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesCommonStockEmployerRelatedPartyMember_1e2b7149-466c-446b-be9a-689033117ae7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesCommonStockEmployerRelatedPartyMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_3058d980-a869-4425-bd0d-602d3b043ed4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesCommonStockEmployerRelatedPartyMember_1e2b7149-466c-446b-be9a-689033117ae7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_46d7d990-eace-46c4-807c-29c1d2a92925" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndCashEquivalentsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_3058d980-a869-4425-bd0d-602d3b043ed4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_46d7d990-eace-46c4-807c-29c1d2a92925" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurityMember_be8ab487-1907-4f1e-9cb4-57b598a96b54" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurityMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_3058d980-a869-4425-bd0d-602d3b043ed4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurityMember_be8ab487-1907-4f1e-9cb4-57b598a96b54" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansInvestmentsMeasuredatNAVDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansInvestmentsMeasuredatNAVDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansInvestmentsMeasuredatNAVDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ib14899ba808b4ec0bf8c78ca636f9b34_EmployeeBenefitPlansInvestmentsMeasuredatNAVDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareLineItems_d083f537-8e44-4d3c-8a1f-f983474766f7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AlternativeInvestment_f1078291-3454-4418-ac30-be870448fd61" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AlternativeInvestment"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareLineItems_d083f537-8e44-4d3c-8a1f-f983474766f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AlternativeInvestment_f1078291-3454-4418-ac30-be870448fd61" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareInvestmentRedemptionNoticePeriod1_de23fc78-17b9-4978-ae96-ff4b4cfeb3b6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareInvestmentRedemptionNoticePeriod1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareLineItems_d083f537-8e44-4d3c-8a1f-f983474766f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareInvestmentRedemptionNoticePeriod1_de23fc78-17b9-4978-ae96-ff4b4cfeb3b6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareUnfundedCommittments_f5fb7cb7-20f5-43f7-a70e-e0f0f5751d5b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareUnfundedCommittments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareLineItems_d083f537-8e44-4d3c-8a1f-f983474766f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareUnfundedCommittments_f5fb7cb7-20f5-43f7-a70e-e0f0f5751d5b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTable_147ac427-1239-4099-80f8-3506b8634ca9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareLineItems_d083f537-8e44-4d3c-8a1f-f983474766f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTable_147ac427-1239-4099-80f8-3506b8634ca9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_d9cf4895-86c9-445c-a2dc-d72fefe61184" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTable_147ac427-1239-4099-80f8-3506b8634ca9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_d9cf4895-86c9-445c-a2dc-d72fefe61184" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_d9cf4895-86c9-445c-a2dc-d72fefe61184_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_d9cf4895-86c9-445c-a2dc-d72fefe61184" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_d9cf4895-86c9-445c-a2dc-d72fefe61184_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_e4567474-cb1a-485f-9b65-c724a3e6afb9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_d9cf4895-86c9-445c-a2dc-d72fefe61184" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_e4567474-cb1a-485f-9b65-c724a3e6afb9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredAtNetAssetValuePerShareMember_2f728e26-f756-4cae-9a9b-380c1994295e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredAtNetAssetValuePerShareMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_e4567474-cb1a-485f-9b65-c724a3e6afb9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredAtNetAssetValuePerShareMember_2f728e26-f756-4cae-9a9b-380c1994295e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_d6473cb3-cc68-4eb4-bbe0-6afefa1bd828" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTable_147ac427-1239-4099-80f8-3506b8634ca9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_d6473cb3-cc68-4eb4-bbe0-6afefa1bd828" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_d6473cb3-cc68-4eb4-bbe0-6afefa1bd828_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_d6473cb3-cc68-4eb4-bbe0-6afefa1bd828" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_d6473cb3-cc68-4eb4-bbe0-6afefa1bd828_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f82c392f-cd9e-4a7b-99a5-e2f744cb3c83" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_d6473cb3-cc68-4eb4-bbe0-6afefa1bd828" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f82c392f-cd9e-4a7b-99a5-e2f744cb3c83" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember_f2c0efb4-1a19-4efd-9904-b4527a12e07b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f82c392f-cd9e-4a7b-99a5-e2f744cb3c83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember_f2c0efb4-1a19-4efd-9904-b4527a12e07b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_0727101a-ee3b-4150-b5e6-a68f3a637872" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f82c392f-cd9e-4a7b-99a5-e2f744cb3c83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_0727101a-ee3b-4150-b5e6-a68f3a637872" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_a5641e83-2efa-493b-8913-4e5f7357544f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f82c392f-cd9e-4a7b-99a5-e2f744cb3c83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_a5641e83-2efa-493b-8913-4e5f7357544f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_RealAssetsMember_4069c84f-0f8d-4bec-918f-712a901558b7" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_RealAssetsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f82c392f-cd9e-4a7b-99a5-e2f744cb3c83" xlink:to="loc_dal_RealAssetsMember_4069c84f-0f8d-4bec-918f-712a901558b7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_OtherCommingledFundsMember_bccaaca3-6786-41c1-9ebb-4bbe5b057bf7" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_OtherCommingledFundsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f82c392f-cd9e-4a7b-99a5-e2f744cb3c83" xlink:to="loc_dal_OtherCommingledFundsMember_bccaaca3-6786-41c1-9ebb-4bbe5b057bf7" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_88bad088-45e6-4fcd-a3ee-68322c50ab67" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareTable_147ac427-1239-4099-80f8-3506b8634ca9" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_88bad088-45e6-4fcd-a3ee-68322c50ab67" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_88bad088-45e6-4fcd-a3ee-68322c50ab67_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_88bad088-45e6-4fcd-a3ee-68322c50ab67" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_88bad088-45e6-4fcd-a3ee-68322c50ab67_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_dbf55240-2389-4e96-963e-dd4c0c5b9a36" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_88bad088-45e6-4fcd-a3ee-68322c50ab67" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_dbf55240-2389-4e96-963e-dd4c0c5b9a36" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_0e318213-a03d-4935-9af5-23f718cf0769" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_dbf55240-2389-4e96-963e-dd4c0c5b9a36" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_0e318213-a03d-4935-9af5-23f718cf0769" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_c7037541-9b10-4d2f-a8f8-14ca94d31de5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_dbf55240-2389-4e96-963e-dd4c0c5b9a36" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_c7037541-9b10-4d2f-a8f8-14ca94d31de5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i11520f3d5b7740ef9ca105fbb1b27794_EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_UnfundedLiabilityDefinedBenefitPlanInterestRate_c6c68c88-7782-4f1a-8926-202b1761c876" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_UnfundedLiabilityDefinedBenefitPlanInterestRate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_dal_UnfundedLiabilityDefinedBenefitPlanInterestRate_c6c68c88-7782-4f1a-8926-202b1761c876" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear_4c864dc2-0fd3-4fdd-a4d6-4ffd3e4a9c47" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear_4c864dc2-0fd3-4fdd-a4d6-4ffd3e4a9c47" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_c4916283-1ecb-498a-97ce-f6bfd2d593d3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_c4916283-1ecb-498a-97ce-f6bfd2d593d3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AssumedHealthCarePlanPreAge_c6a5f3f6-c455-45ac-a813-c325fc498228" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AssumedHealthCarePlanPreAge"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_dal_AssumedHealthCarePlanPreAge_c6a5f3f6-c455-45ac-a813-c325fc498228" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AssumedHealthCarePlanPostAge_e88de7e7-4080-4de0-9f4e-3832987e3ae1" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AssumedHealthCarePlanPostAge"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_dal_AssumedHealthCarePlanPostAge_e88de7e7-4080-4de0-9f4e-3832987e3ae1" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_d08855e3-643d-4856-b3ce-991598113a26" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_d08855e3-643d-4856-b3ce-991598113a26" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits_099d51c7-a7e6-4cd4-9f00-63a05e19f592" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits_099d51c7-a7e6-4cd4-9f00-63a05e19f592" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_cc21f28f-8ad6-41a8-a758-d80053a3cc7b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_cc21f28f-8ad6-41a8-a758-d80053a3cc7b" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage_b7aabaf4-61b7-4265-80a2-6349334bb33c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage_b7aabaf4-61b7-4265-80a2-6349334bb33c" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfEmployeesParticipatingInVoluntaryEarlyRetirementAndSeparationPrograms_5373c964-915e-44e9-84c5-e24d1af58914" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfEmployeesParticipatingInVoluntaryEarlyRetirementAndSeparationPrograms"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfEmployeesParticipatingInVoluntaryEarlyRetirementAndSeparationPrograms_5373c964-915e-44e9-84c5-e24d1af58914" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_adf3a86a-2fe5-4ce0-9062-e3ded615ab65" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_adf3a86a-2fe5-4ce0-9062-e3ded615ab65" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_5867a704-fabe-4cac-ae31-240ce5dede5a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_5867a704-fabe-4cac-ae31-240ce5dede5a" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLaborRelatedExpenses_bf458c50-cf0e-4724-bd5b-8c5179346597" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLaborRelatedExpenses"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLaborRelatedExpenses_bf458c50-cf0e-4724-bd5b-8c5179346597" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5e106979-413c-4795-9f17-b9417c80ffc6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f29dbfa4-b3a5-4487-9665-bb17687c5685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5e106979-413c-4795-9f17-b9417c80ffc6" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByInvestmentObjectiveAxis_a0c9cfb7-b2ae-475b-bf4a-03ba03d7a229" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByInvestmentObjectiveAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5e106979-413c-4795-9f17-b9417c80ffc6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByInvestmentObjectiveAxis_a0c9cfb7-b2ae-475b-bf4a-03ba03d7a229" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentObjectiveMember_a0c9cfb7-b2ae-475b-bf4a-03ba03d7a229_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentObjectiveMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByInvestmentObjectiveAxis_a0c9cfb7-b2ae-475b-bf4a-03ba03d7a229" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentObjectiveMember_a0c9cfb7-b2ae-475b-bf4a-03ba03d7a229_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentObjectiveMember_36166ec8-7ebe-4600-80b5-e96d1f22ad2b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentObjectiveMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByInvestmentObjectiveAxis_a0c9cfb7-b2ae-475b-bf4a-03ba03d7a229" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentObjectiveMember_36166ec8-7ebe-4600-80b5-e96d1f22ad2b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_GrowthSeekingAssetsMember_a5ce610e-c117-4806-800a-90915387c4ce" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_GrowthSeekingAssetsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentObjectiveMember_36166ec8-7ebe-4600-80b5-e96d1f22ad2b" xlink:to="loc_dal_GrowthSeekingAssetsMember_a5ce610e-c117-4806-800a-90915387c4ce" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_IncomeGeneratingAssetsMember_abb92e08-c015-4417-b625-32661c0abdf8" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_IncomeGeneratingAssetsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentObjectiveMember_36166ec8-7ebe-4600-80b5-e96d1f22ad2b" xlink:to="loc_dal_IncomeGeneratingAssetsMember_abb92e08-c015-4417-b625-32661c0abdf8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_RiskDiversifyingAssetsMember_462e034f-3df0-465e-bc0d-36dc75c0508a" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_RiskDiversifyingAssetsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentObjectiveMember_36166ec8-7ebe-4600-80b5-e96d1f22ad2b" xlink:to="loc_dal_RiskDiversifyingAssetsMember_462e034f-3df0-465e-bc0d-36dc75c0508a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_60698fe4-b3cf-48d6-8118-6f291de49575" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5e106979-413c-4795-9f17-b9417c80ffc6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_60698fe4-b3cf-48d6-8118-6f291de49575" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_60698fe4-b3cf-48d6-8118-6f291de49575_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_60698fe4-b3cf-48d6-8118-6f291de49575" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_60698fe4-b3cf-48d6-8118-6f291de49575_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_b6194380-913a-4f76-b34d-0ee52ab95612" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_60698fe4-b3cf-48d6-8118-6f291de49575" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_b6194380-913a-4f76-b34d-0ee52ab95612" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_cafb737a-1590-4cfe-a641-4eec1140b484" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_b6194380-913a-4f76-b34d-0ee52ab95612" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_cafb737a-1590-4cfe-a641-4eec1140b484" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_1f9b69e1-db16-4a0a-9f8c-143f70daa05a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_b6194380-913a-4f76-b34d-0ee52ab95612" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_1f9b69e1-db16-4a0a-9f8c-143f70daa05a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_c24e9fd4-64d7-4565-966e-4d8555b8d97e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5e106979-413c-4795-9f17-b9417c80ffc6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_c24e9fd4-64d7-4565-966e-4d8555b8d97e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_c24e9fd4-64d7-4565-966e-4d8555b8d97e_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_c24e9fd4-64d7-4565-966e-4d8555b8d97e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_c24e9fd4-64d7-4565-966e-4d8555b8d97e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_11bef0c0-a2e6-4ef4-a0fd-ff835a0cdb1f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_c24e9fd4-64d7-4565-966e-4d8555b8d97e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_11bef0c0-a2e6-4ef4-a0fd-ff835a0cdb1f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_37342109-b296-41a0-b607-3ed7416238bb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_11bef0c0-a2e6-4ef4-a0fd-ff835a0cdb1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_37342109-b296-41a0-b607-3ed7416238bb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_c91aa7a9-6b1d-43b8-8c58-3311ec921115" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5e106979-413c-4795-9f17-b9417c80ffc6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_c91aa7a9-6b1d-43b8-8c58-3311ec921115" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_c91aa7a9-6b1d-43b8-8c58-3311ec921115_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_c91aa7a9-6b1d-43b8-8c58-3311ec921115" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_c91aa7a9-6b1d-43b8-8c58-3311ec921115_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_239ce937-eec5-423b-a16b-e6a3391903e6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_c91aa7a9-6b1d-43b8-8c58-3311ec921115" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_239ce937-eec5-423b-a16b-e6a3391903e6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_VoluntaryEarlyRetirementAndSeparationProgramMember_f20fded0-aa4d-4014-b755-d9fad2c94660" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_VoluntaryEarlyRetirementAndSeparationProgramMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_239ce937-eec5-423b-a16b-e6a3391903e6" xlink:to="loc_dal_VoluntaryEarlyRetirementAndSeparationProgramMember_f20fded0-aa4d-4014-b755-d9fad2c94660" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_26972000-eae4-439a-a90c-4009971f9065" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5e106979-413c-4795-9f17-b9417c80ffc6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_26972000-eae4-439a-a90c-4009971f9065" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_26972000-eae4-439a-a90c-4009971f9065_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_26972000-eae4-439a-a90c-4009971f9065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_26972000-eae4-439a-a90c-4009971f9065_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_586ac47c-de95-4cef-8f2b-0f427c799ee4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_26972000-eae4-439a-a90c-4009971f9065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_586ac47c-de95-4cef-8f2b-0f427c799ee4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SpecialTerminationBenefitsMember_540c3a51-c7ad-4783-9262-2d4962ea4758" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SpecialTerminationBenefitsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_586ac47c-de95-4cef-8f2b-0f427c799ee4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SpecialTerminationBenefitsMember_540c3a51-c7ad-4783-9262-2d4962ea4758" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SeparationPaymentsAndHealthcareBenefitsMember_89f68206-e15d-4005-a413-da78540a91a3" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SeparationPaymentsAndHealthcareBenefitsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_586ac47c-de95-4cef-8f2b-0f427c799ee4" xlink:to="loc_dal_SeparationPaymentsAndHealthcareBenefitsMember_89f68206-e15d-4005-a413-da78540a91a3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_UnpaidVacationAndOtherBenefitsMember_27f2400b-4eb0-491c-ab89-d9c3b27b5da1" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_UnpaidVacationAndOtherBenefitsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_586ac47c-de95-4cef-8f2b-0f427c799ee4" xlink:to="loc_dal_UnpaidVacationAndOtherBenefitsMember_27f2400b-4eb0-491c-ab89-d9c3b27b5da1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#CommitmentsandContingencies"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies" xlink:type="extended" id="ib1c53268770d4bcea8b3db01820daee5_CommitmentsandContingencies"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended" id="ib0e506b08418439da8a77f20abcd4d71_CommitmentsandContingenciesTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesAircraftPurchaseCommitmentsandContractCarrierMinimumObligationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesAircraftPurchaseCommitmentsandContractCarrierMinimumObligationsDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesAircraftPurchaseCommitmentsandContractCarrierMinimumObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ib1547660bc8148e3bd5695cf872768d1_CommitmentsandContingenciesAircraftPurchaseCommitmentsandContractCarrierMinimumObligationsDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_326e41cc-0f5a-4420-b40c-a3e0b6842b54" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_057cd226-0eff-419d-8f7f-3ee683764e61" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_326e41cc-0f5a-4420-b40c-a3e0b6842b54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_057cd226-0eff-419d-8f7f-3ee683764e61" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFirstAnniversary_432f8e11-ef3a-4c98-ad07-fcf66557ff2b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFirstAnniversary"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_057cd226-0eff-419d-8f7f-3ee683764e61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFirstAnniversary_432f8e11-ef3a-4c98-ad07-fcf66557ff2b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary_cfcf942e-9edd-4c72-abb0-9a0deb1c9934" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_057cd226-0eff-419d-8f7f-3ee683764e61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary_cfcf942e-9edd-4c72-abb0-9a0deb1c9934" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary_edde92dd-7d03-45c1-92d1-37e1494b9dc4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_057cd226-0eff-419d-8f7f-3ee683764e61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary_edde92dd-7d03-45c1-92d1-37e1494b9dc4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary_f6795994-bb40-4d2c-aaa4-ecc35e72a92a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_057cd226-0eff-419d-8f7f-3ee683764e61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary_f6795994-bb40-4d2c-aaa4-ecc35e72a92a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary_1804e587-406d-44da-8f0e-8b8b27f7f6cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_057cd226-0eff-419d-8f7f-3ee683764e61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary_1804e587-406d-44da-8f0e-8b8b27f7f6cd" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears_79af4d48-be36-4e59-80fc-36e5fd22f028" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_057cd226-0eff-419d-8f7f-3ee683764e61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears_79af4d48-be36-4e59-80fc-36e5fd22f028" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount_56573b50-80f1-4e4e-a2d8-af6d81000028" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_057cd226-0eff-419d-8f7f-3ee683764e61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount_56573b50-80f1-4e4e-a2d8-af6d81000028" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_47067bea-8880-4c00-8e34-391d9e1bf4e4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_326e41cc-0f5a-4420-b40c-a3e0b6842b54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_47067bea-8880-4c00-8e34-391d9e1bf4e4" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_0261d0b5-47b6-44df-a490-714f0b15fedc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_47067bea-8880-4c00-8e34-391d9e1bf4e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_0261d0b5-47b6-44df-a490-714f0b15fedc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_0261d0b5-47b6-44df-a490-714f0b15fedc_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_0261d0b5-47b6-44df-a490-714f0b15fedc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_0261d0b5-47b6-44df-a490-714f0b15fedc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_050d0b65-903b-4fd3-b897-bf60b43a0284" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_0261d0b5-47b6-44df-a490-714f0b15fedc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_050d0b65-903b-4fd3-b897-bf60b43a0284" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAdditionsMember_1af2426d-1de1-4889-95d1-c4bb64bda7ae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalAdditionsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_050d0b65-903b-4fd3-b897-bf60b43a0284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAdditionsMember_1af2426d-1de1-4889-95d1-c4bb64bda7ae" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AirlineCapacityPurchaseArrangementsMember_aeefcdb5-35de-4e1f-8099-d7b171df9358" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AirlineCapacityPurchaseArrangementsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_050d0b65-903b-4fd3-b897-bf60b43a0284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AirlineCapacityPurchaseArrangementsMember_aeefcdb5-35de-4e1f-8099-d7b171df9358" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesAircraftPurchaseCommitmentsbyFleetTypeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesAircraftPurchaseCommitmentsbyFleetTypeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesAircraftPurchaseCommitmentsbyFleetTypeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ia6366246613e4209a7e5978536d81d0b_CommitmentsandContingenciesAircraftPurchaseCommitmentsbyFleetTypeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_cf22c77c-8565-48b9-92be-91f95e13cc01" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationMinimumQuantityRequired_b78d6864-a7f7-46de-85d5-1ab1f36e8da0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationMinimumQuantityRequired"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_cf22c77c-8565-48b9-92be-91f95e13cc01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationMinimumQuantityRequired_b78d6864-a7f7-46de-85d5-1ab1f36e8da0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfLeaseCommitmentsIncludedInPurchaseCommitments_c1700b59-c3bf-489d-855a-8f3e1e334240" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfLeaseCommitmentsIncludedInPurchaseCommitments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_cf22c77c-8565-48b9-92be-91f95e13cc01" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfLeaseCommitmentsIncludedInPurchaseCommitments_c1700b59-c3bf-489d-855a-8f3e1e334240" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_16696dbf-f75a-482b-b6db-2d9eefbc86d9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_cf22c77c-8565-48b9-92be-91f95e13cc01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_16696dbf-f75a-482b-b6db-2d9eefbc86d9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_9d7879da-97e6-4524-b8df-ee9f811e3087" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_16696dbf-f75a-482b-b6db-2d9eefbc86d9" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_9d7879da-97e6-4524-b8df-ee9f811e3087" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_9d7879da-97e6-4524-b8df-ee9f811e3087_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_9d7879da-97e6-4524-b8df-ee9f811e3087" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_9d7879da-97e6-4524-b8df-ee9f811e3087_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_192c889e-07bc-4c8a-9865-6dae406863d9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_9d7879da-97e6-4524-b8df-ee9f811e3087" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_192c889e-07bc-4c8a-9865-6dae406863d9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_A220100Member_973ad5b3-1f41-448b-ad6a-861185d3d900" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_A220100Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_192c889e-07bc-4c8a-9865-6dae406863d9" xlink:to="loc_dal_A220100Member_973ad5b3-1f41-448b-ad6a-861185d3d900" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_A220300Member_787c0c20-d5ec-4961-9215-949bc3500b13" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_A220300Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_192c889e-07bc-4c8a-9865-6dae406863d9" xlink:to="loc_dal_A220300Member_787c0c20-d5ec-4961-9215-949bc3500b13" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_A321200Member_d69f2f33-ae32-495d-a9f8-b1d952741c94" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_A321200Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_192c889e-07bc-4c8a-9865-6dae406863d9" xlink:to="loc_dal_A321200Member_d69f2f33-ae32-495d-a9f8-b1d952741c94" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_A321200neoMember_896cd6f5-4be9-4470-8cbf-e4046c504cb0" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_A321200neoMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_192c889e-07bc-4c8a-9865-6dae406863d9" xlink:to="loc_dal_A321200neoMember_896cd6f5-4be9-4470-8cbf-e4046c504cb0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_A330900neoMember_bc08e2d9-c21d-4417-bbe5-8d722b0ec336" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_A330900neoMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_192c889e-07bc-4c8a-9865-6dae406863d9" xlink:to="loc_dal_A330900neoMember_bc08e2d9-c21d-4417-bbe5-8d722b0ec336" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_A350900Member_b770e0dd-11b2-44de-ba1f-3ad7cf1ef89b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_A350900Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_192c889e-07bc-4c8a-9865-6dae406863d9" xlink:to="loc_dal_A350900Member_b770e0dd-11b2-44de-ba1f-3ad7cf1ef89b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CRJ900Member_df5c563d-36b2-460d-a02c-ccfd6de75c19" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CRJ900Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_192c889e-07bc-4c8a-9865-6dae406863d9" xlink:to="loc_srt_CRJ900Member_df5c563d-36b2-460d-a02c-ccfd6de75c19" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_6edb5257-8270-4e3e-9704-033f7a6b7feb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_16696dbf-f75a-482b-b6db-2d9eefbc86d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_6edb5257-8270-4e3e-9704-033f7a6b7feb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_6edb5257-8270-4e3e-9704-033f7a6b7feb_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_6edb5257-8270-4e3e-9704-033f7a6b7feb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_6edb5257-8270-4e3e-9704-033f7a6b7feb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_de234876-02a1-4a55-9bf4-3cff983e1dab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_6edb5257-8270-4e3e-9704-033f7a6b7feb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_de234876-02a1-4a55-9bf4-3cff983e1dab" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAdditionsMember_82befa31-cb2d-4a6e-8ed8-bba08dba6acb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalAdditionsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_de234876-02a1-4a55-9bf4-3cff983e1dab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAdditionsMember_82befa31-cb2d-4a6e-8ed8-bba08dba6acb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ia3200e488502406b937ffbaefb82ed16_CommitmentsandContingenciesNarrativeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_e3628224-23ff-43db-a750-b6e64e9f5702" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ReductionInAircraftPurchaseCommitmentRestructuredOrderBook_dca340df-6cd8-486c-98f9-d7dc720e34d7" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ReductionInAircraftPurchaseCommitmentRestructuredOrderBook"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_e3628224-23ff-43db-a750-b6e64e9f5702" xlink:to="loc_dal_ReductionInAircraftPurchaseCommitmentRestructuredOrderBook_dca340df-6cd8-486c-98f9-d7dc720e34d7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount_9c49d2b1-c07f-4767-bc04-4f05345916c4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_e3628224-23ff-43db-a750-b6e64e9f5702" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount_9c49d2b1-c07f-4767-bc04-4f05345916c4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfPurchaseCommitmentsAssumed_efcbb86b-cd3c-4396-a259-64c43103d58b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfPurchaseCommitmentsAssumed"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_e3628224-23ff-43db-a750-b6e64e9f5702" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfPurchaseCommitmentsAssumed_efcbb86b-cd3c-4396-a259-64c43103d58b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftAcquiredPlannedPriorToPurchaseAgreementTermination_9b400e6c-ba2a-407b-b1b9-26a8385603ca" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_NumberOfAircraftAcquiredPlannedPriorToPurchaseAgreementTermination"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_e3628224-23ff-43db-a750-b6e64e9f5702" xlink:to="loc_dal_NumberOfAircraftAcquiredPlannedPriorToPurchaseAgreementTermination_9b400e6c-ba2a-407b-b1b9-26a8385603ca" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_f39f4a54-8cb3-4a0f-b984-d56921836da9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_e3628224-23ff-43db-a750-b6e64e9f5702" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_f39f4a54-8cb3-4a0f-b984-d56921836da9" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_a52881f8-d910-48a3-940c-a988873018a9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationLineItems_e3628224-23ff-43db-a750-b6e64e9f5702" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_a52881f8-d910-48a3-940c-a988873018a9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_6e702b83-094c-4689-8cd7-059390194c63" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_a52881f8-d910-48a3-940c-a988873018a9" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_6e702b83-094c-4689-8cd7-059390194c63" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_6e702b83-094c-4689-8cd7-059390194c63_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_6e702b83-094c-4689-8cd7-059390194c63" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_6e702b83-094c-4689-8cd7-059390194c63_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_19719b7b-85c2-4baa-9b6e-b59fa6efc8bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_AircraftTypeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeAxis_6e702b83-094c-4689-8cd7-059390194c63" xlink:to="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_19719b7b-85c2-4baa-9b6e-b59fa6efc8bc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_A350900Member_76d84d0c-6c3b-4af4-a0bd-62d606ab2ca6" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_A350900Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_AircraftTypeMember_19719b7b-85c2-4baa-9b6e-b59fa6efc8bc" xlink:to="loc_dal_A350900Member_76d84d0c-6c3b-4af4-a0bd-62d606ab2ca6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f54e7b96-8b57-444c-a394-b9bffc675f3f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_a52881f8-d910-48a3-940c-a988873018a9" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f54e7b96-8b57-444c-a394-b9bffc675f3f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_f54e7b96-8b57-444c-a394-b9bffc675f3f_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f54e7b96-8b57-444c-a394-b9bffc675f3f" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_f54e7b96-8b57-444c-a394-b9bffc675f3f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_34d7468e-5f19-4a30-9ea8-a92edc27c8b7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f54e7b96-8b57-444c-a394-b9bffc675f3f" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_34d7468e-5f19-4a30-9ea8-a92edc27c8b7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_LATAMAirlinesGroupSAMember_9ac9d90c-0f60-460d-b21c-25b45aea2e2b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_LATAMAirlinesGroupSAMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_34d7468e-5f19-4a30-9ea8-a92edc27c8b7" xlink:to="loc_dal_LATAMAirlinesGroupSAMember_9ac9d90c-0f60-460d-b21c-25b45aea2e2b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_5733d2aa-2f74-4fe1-aded-0cebd4a8b32f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_a52881f8-d910-48a3-940c-a988873018a9" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_5733d2aa-2f74-4fe1-aded-0cebd4a8b32f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_5733d2aa-2f74-4fe1-aded-0cebd4a8b32f_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_5733d2aa-2f74-4fe1-aded-0cebd4a8b32f" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_5733d2aa-2f74-4fe1-aded-0cebd4a8b32f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_a02bf304-5004-42de-b135-859a006dc98c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_5733d2aa-2f74-4fe1-aded-0cebd4a8b32f" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_a02bf304-5004-42de-b135-859a006dc98c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_81ed13a1-3099-4cde-bad4-e7ed5e048b0a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_a02bf304-5004-42de-b135-859a006dc98c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_81ed13a1-3099-4cde-bad4-e7ed5e048b0a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_2ffb9138-103f-4a54-8683-56065de3961a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTable_a52881f8-d910-48a3-940c-a988873018a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_2ffb9138-103f-4a54-8683-56065de3961a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_2ffb9138-103f-4a54-8683-56065de3961a_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_2ffb9138-103f-4a54-8683-56065de3961a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_2ffb9138-103f-4a54-8683-56065de3961a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_0d1f896a-63ee-4e6f-8fab-75a5af3cbded" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_2ffb9138-103f-4a54-8683-56065de3961a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_0d1f896a-63ee-4e6f-8fab-75a5af3cbded" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAdditionsMember_0125c6cc-8129-485c-adbd-afadb6b5bddb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalAdditionsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnconditionalPurchaseObligationCategoryOfGoodsOrServicesAcquiredDomain_0d1f896a-63ee-4e6f-8fab-75a5af3cbded" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAdditionsMember_0125c6cc-8129-485c-adbd-afadb6b5bddb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesEmployeesUnderCollectiveBargainingAgreementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesEmployeesUnderCollectiveBargainingAgreementsDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesEmployeesUnderCollectiveBargainingAgreementsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i78588cdffe954ef1a41ce51868cfcbc2_CommitmentsandContingenciesEmployeesUnderCollectiveBargainingAgreementsDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a0e63c65-501b-4ee6-912c-0ad1a29b9d88" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees_ed0a43c0-b059-43aa-9adb-623145dce169" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a0e63c65-501b-4ee6-912c-0ad1a29b9d88" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees_ed0a43c0-b059-43aa-9adb-623145dce169" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_699f74f3-8520-4786-8af6-00869e6e9669" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_a0e63c65-501b-4ee6-912c-0ad1a29b9d88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_699f74f3-8520-4786-8af6-00869e6e9669" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EmployeegroupsAxis_e698aed9-3a6a-400f-b1b9-fe3e31f47b86" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EmployeegroupsAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_699f74f3-8520-4786-8af6-00869e6e9669" xlink:to="loc_dal_EmployeegroupsAxis_e698aed9-3a6a-400f-b1b9-fe3e31f47b86" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_e698aed9-3a6a-400f-b1b9-fe3e31f47b86_default" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dal_EmployeegroupsAxis_e698aed9-3a6a-400f-b1b9-fe3e31f47b86" xlink:to="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_e698aed9-3a6a-400f-b1b9-fe3e31f47b86_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_62071540-27e4-48a4-b173-3da9fd099b90" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dal_EmployeegroupsAxis_e698aed9-3a6a-400f-b1b9-fe3e31f47b86" xlink:to="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_62071540-27e4-48a4-b173-3da9fd099b90" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DeltaPilotsRepresentedbyUnionsMember_c9a24cc8-5832-4315-b3f4-31baf44c2908" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DeltaPilotsRepresentedbyUnionsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_62071540-27e4-48a4-b173-3da9fd099b90" xlink:to="loc_dal_DeltaPilotsRepresentedbyUnionsMember_c9a24cc8-5832-4315-b3f4-31baf44c2908" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DeltaFlightSuperintendentsDispatchersRepresentedbyUnionsMember_9ec45b20-910b-46fc-abc5-8cfdb3fc497d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DeltaFlightSuperintendentsDispatchersRepresentedbyUnionsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_62071540-27e4-48a4-b173-3da9fd099b90" xlink:to="loc_dal_DeltaFlightSuperintendentsDispatchersRepresentedbyUnionsMember_9ec45b20-910b-46fc-abc5-8cfdb3fc497d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EndeavorPilotsRepresentedbyUnionsMember_0eac67b6-0eff-46fb-8005-0f138608207f" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EndeavorPilotsRepresentedbyUnionsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_62071540-27e4-48a4-b173-3da9fd099b90" xlink:to="loc_dal_EndeavorPilotsRepresentedbyUnionsMember_0eac67b6-0eff-46fb-8005-0f138608207f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EndeavorFlightAttendantsRepresentedbyUnionsMember_4d12632e-4dd2-4340-aa8e-94d2db357995" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EndeavorFlightAttendantsRepresentedbyUnionsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_62071540-27e4-48a4-b173-3da9fd099b90" xlink:to="loc_dal_EndeavorFlightAttendantsRepresentedbyUnionsMember_4d12632e-4dd2-4340-aa8e-94d2db357995" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesEmployeesUnderCollectiveBargainingAgreementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesEmployeesUnderCollectiveBargainingAgreementsNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesEmployeesUnderCollectiveBargainingAgreementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3453499007c14cb8b043aabb00d8c022_CommitmentsandContingenciesEmployeesUnderCollectiveBargainingAgreementsNarrativeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_9f40390b-ca4d-4321-9551-620c61c9adf5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees_d43b5619-4f7d-4d1d-9bb4-e8bd5faa0c89" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_9f40390b-ca4d-4321-9551-620c61c9adf5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees_d43b5619-4f7d-4d1d-9bb4-e8bd5faa0c89" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_PercentageOfEmployeesRepresentedByUnionsUnderCollectiveBargainingAgreements_33c6f43b-8b5f-4f42-98a8-d70c9fea3c42" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_PercentageOfEmployeesRepresentedByUnionsUnderCollectiveBargainingAgreements"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_9f40390b-ca4d-4321-9551-620c61c9adf5" xlink:to="loc_dal_PercentageOfEmployeesRepresentedByUnionsUnderCollectiveBargainingAgreements_33c6f43b-8b5f-4f42-98a8-d70c9fea3c42" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_5b7af520-77fc-4ac7-b281-067eb737d147" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_9f40390b-ca4d-4321-9551-620c61c9adf5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_5b7af520-77fc-4ac7-b281-067eb737d147" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_EmployeegroupsAxis_ad47c748-95e3-413c-aba5-cbfc0578891c" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_EmployeegroupsAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_5b7af520-77fc-4ac7-b281-067eb737d147" xlink:to="loc_dal_EmployeegroupsAxis_ad47c748-95e3-413c-aba5-cbfc0578891c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_ad47c748-95e3-413c-aba5-cbfc0578891c_default" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dal_EmployeegroupsAxis_ad47c748-95e3-413c-aba5-cbfc0578891c" xlink:to="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_ad47c748-95e3-413c-aba5-cbfc0578891c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_07651f97-5e7e-4c5c-893a-892ac9c29e69" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dal_EmployeegroupsAxis_ad47c748-95e3-413c-aba5-cbfc0578891c" xlink:to="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_07651f97-5e7e-4c5c-893a-892ac9c29e69" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_MonroeRefineryEmployeesRepresentedByUnitedSteelWorkersMember_5f172477-4706-4354-8c3b-7a386de31e1d" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_MonroeRefineryEmployeesRepresentedByUnitedSteelWorkersMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dal_AllEmployeeGroupsDomain_07651f97-5e7e-4c5c-893a-892ac9c29e69" xlink:to="loc_dal_MonroeRefineryEmployeesRepresentedByUnitedSteelWorkersMember_5f172477-4706-4354-8c3b-7a386de31e1d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxes"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" id="i6705b83b5ba44866ad6c28abcdeb62bd_IncomeTaxes"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended" id="idd9e04204c064ec98f7aa555d21e9891_IncomeTaxesTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsofIncomeTaxBenefitProvisionDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxesComponentsofIncomeTaxBenefitProvisionDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsofIncomeTaxBenefitProvisionDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i102860298be847f49a7303f23b570374_IncomeTaxesComponentsofIncomeTaxBenefitProvisionDetails"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/IncomeTaxesEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxesEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/IncomeTaxesEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="idb2fae50e0da45739f616d34007c35fd_IncomeTaxesEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDetails"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxesDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3d182c45c04e46f6b8fc7efa1ae8580d_IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxesDetails"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="iefdc151686284832b8d38fd4c68ce7f9_IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/EquityandEquityCompensation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#EquityandEquityCompensation"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/EquityandEquityCompensation" xlink:type="extended" id="i8d6213bb804940c59fff36330f017b0c_EquityandEquityCompensation"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/EquityandEquityCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#EquityandEquityCompensationDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/EquityandEquityCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i4c12693a06bd45e8926725787a6f1708_EquityandEquityCompensationDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_CapitalStockSharesAuthorized_ca5e97bd-76fc-4ea7-8885-6c15f3660d60" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_CapitalStockSharesAuthorized"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_dal_CapitalStockSharesAuthorized_ca5e97bd-76fc-4ea7-8885-6c15f3660d60" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_290a75b1-861b-4757-a387-46182f230c24" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_290a75b1-861b-4757-a387-46182f230c24" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_8a3c9128-37f8-4416-b00d-f10c0368882a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_8a3c9128-37f8-4416-b00d-f10c0368882a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_f708460d-93bb-42f8-848b-03335edeba08" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_f708460d-93bb-42f8-848b-03335edeba08" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_60eb2b87-0d9d-4455-883b-84f19dd59b16" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_60eb2b87-0d9d-4455-883b-84f19dd59b16" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_b865b4b6-59d2-4772-8666-5ff212347ca8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_b865b4b6-59d2-4772-8666-5ff212347ca8" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_eca40f85-e9ee-4f0c-9bb3-229227ecd87d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_eca40f85-e9ee-4f0c-9bb3-229227ecd87d" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_9fbc4ea3-08bb-4f9a-9f58-b932ae49c3ff" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_9fbc4ea3-08bb-4f9a-9f58-b932ae49c3ff" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_daf9ce83-019b-4b1f-8689-3339e1d70f14" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_daf9ce83-019b-4b1f-8689-3339e1d70f14" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_a363b418-870e-4f19-a38f-12b8757c95c6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_a363b418-870e-4f19-a38f-12b8757c95c6" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_991aaef5-f835-43be-ba0e-9cff0435d8bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_991aaef5-f835-43be-ba0e-9cff0435d8bc" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_84b0f458-b07a-485e-b53c-446b7ea3a4ed" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_84b0f458-b07a-485e-b53c-446b7ea3a4ed" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_0a93d404-0df0-4759-96c1-be58f1a89aa1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_0a93d404-0df0-4759-96c1-be58f1a89aa1" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_db780d5c-e78f-46d7-bb1f-b03df9023e4e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_db780d5c-e78f-46d7-bb1f-b03df9023e4e" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_cda829fe-7279-4860-9334-450e753e0a3c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_cda829fe-7279-4860-9334-450e753e0a3c" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_bf3bce60-0da3-4301-b609-a5aa6484d354" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_b1a1d429-c1f3-472b-bed2-6b29e28048fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_bf3bce60-0da3-4301-b609-a5aa6484d354" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_4a66f967-1ff4-436f-88f7-54b989976e04" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_bf3bce60-0da3-4301-b609-a5aa6484d354" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_4a66f967-1ff4-436f-88f7-54b989976e04" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_4a66f967-1ff4-436f-88f7-54b989976e04_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_4a66f967-1ff4-436f-88f7-54b989976e04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_4a66f967-1ff4-436f-88f7-54b989976e04_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_f4933201-8080-46ca-a522-1e115f892230" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_4a66f967-1ff4-436f-88f7-54b989976e04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_f4933201-8080-46ca-a522-1e115f892230" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrantsMember_34e47684-9b0f-4e1e-8cc8-13448b1c696f" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrantsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_f4933201-8080-46ca-a522-1e115f892230" xlink:to="loc_dal_DeltaCommonStockWarrantsMember_34e47684-9b0f-4e1e-8cc8-13448b1c696f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_82e623ea-34ee-4dd1-96f5-6907578c77b9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_bf3bce60-0da3-4301-b609-a5aa6484d354" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_82e623ea-34ee-4dd1-96f5-6907578c77b9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_82e623ea-34ee-4dd1-96f5-6907578c77b9_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_82e623ea-34ee-4dd1-96f5-6907578c77b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_82e623ea-34ee-4dd1-96f5-6907578c77b9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_609d42c2-2afe-403e-bd3a-63a4ae77a846" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_82e623ea-34ee-4dd1-96f5-6907578c77b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_609d42c2-2afe-403e-bd3a-63a4ae77a846" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_35032463-9c57-4fa6-8640-8cd29cad8a87" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_609d42c2-2afe-403e-bd3a-63a4ae77a846" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_35032463-9c57-4fa6-8640-8cd29cad8a87" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_d4b18884-f4ec-4a73-b9fd-c7aabf353d48" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_609d42c2-2afe-403e-bd3a-63a4ae77a846" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_d4b18884-f4ec-4a73-b9fd-c7aabf353d48" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="extended" id="i80677883ddee4e15b3ec33ee60769de9_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:type="extended" id="i0e0a306e551d4b2ca5c322adc46b6cc7_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i636b1d1a10604e75add3d1858c336edd_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_03704a10-3f10-42bc-97a4-a26819433480" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_b121e30b-ebd1-47f6-b2b8-1eab1423c9de" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_03704a10-3f10-42bc-97a4-a26819433480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_b121e30b-ebd1-47f6-b2b8-1eab1423c9de" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_a9b5382f-0a06-44bb-bf3c-569053bee502" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_b121e30b-ebd1-47f6-b2b8-1eab1423c9de" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_a9b5382f-0a06-44bb-bf3c-569053bee502" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociTaxAttributableToParent_5308e17b-4417-472a-87fa-b2db3c0579de" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AociTaxAttributableToParent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_b121e30b-ebd1-47f6-b2b8-1eab1423c9de" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociTaxAttributableToParent_5308e17b-4417-472a-87fa-b2db3c0579de" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_d8d9a021-e30d-4128-985a-ac629180f206" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_b121e30b-ebd1-47f6-b2b8-1eab1423c9de" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_d8d9a021-e30d-4128-985a-ac629180f206" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_76f1e250-75ec-49fb-805a-4ce9eaff7f70" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_b121e30b-ebd1-47f6-b2b8-1eab1423c9de" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_76f1e250-75ec-49fb-805a-4ce9eaff7f70" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeToRetainedEarningsAdoptionOfAccountingStandardNetOfTax_cc1996d7-c85b-4803-b33e-e6375dc6eca2" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeToRetainedEarningsAdoptionOfAccountingStandardNetOfTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_b121e30b-ebd1-47f6-b2b8-1eab1423c9de" xlink:to="loc_dal_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeToRetainedEarningsAdoptionOfAccountingStandardNetOfTax_cc1996d7-c85b-4803-b33e-e6375dc6eca2" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeToRetainedEarningsAdoptionOfAccountingStandardTax_d76f2420-6b13-4f24-917d-b131eec25502" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeToRetainedEarningsAdoptionOfAccountingStandardTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_b121e30b-ebd1-47f6-b2b8-1eab1423c9de" xlink:to="loc_dal_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeToRetainedEarningsAdoptionOfAccountingStandardTax_d76f2420-6b13-4f24-917d-b131eec25502" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_9fac43c9-a9fd-4c45-9992-462c14d8cf04" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_b121e30b-ebd1-47f6-b2b8-1eab1423c9de" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_9fac43c9-a9fd-4c45-9992-462c14d8cf04" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_70ced03d-1c31-46d3-b19b-3b49d4fb735e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_b121e30b-ebd1-47f6-b2b8-1eab1423c9de" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_70ced03d-1c31-46d3-b19b-3b49d4fb735e" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_0b4e8f03-a2b4-4cc6-88b0-e98a96029b54" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociTaxAttributableToParent_856b5a7a-ee26-46f0-82bb-749bb02837a6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AociTaxAttributableToParent"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitInAccumulatedBalanceAndNotRecognizedUntilObligationFullyExtinguished_5826392b-a197-4bc4-889f-1eecbb1c4a5b" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitInAccumulatedBalanceAndNotRecognizedUntilObligationFullyExtinguished"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_03704a10-3f10-42bc-97a4-a26819433480" xlink:to="loc_dal_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitInAccumulatedBalanceAndNotRecognizedUntilObligationFullyExtinguished_5826392b-a197-4bc4-889f-1eecbb1c4a5b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5a99d40f-80c9-4712-b7d1-8cbbca265ccd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_03704a10-3f10-42bc-97a4-a26819433480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5a99d40f-80c9-4712-b7d1-8cbbca265ccd" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_05e9d16c-d256-4e23-b277-ca3b4ccadbb8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_03704a10-3f10-42bc-97a4-a26819433480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_05e9d16c-d256-4e23-b277-ca3b4ccadbb8" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0d89edf7-284b-44b0-97c9-fc41c352a506" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_05e9d16c-d256-4e23-b277-ca3b4ccadbb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0d89edf7-284b-44b0-97c9-fc41c352a506" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0d89edf7-284b-44b0-97c9-fc41c352a506_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0d89edf7-284b-44b0-97c9-fc41c352a506" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0d89edf7-284b-44b0-97c9-fc41c352a506_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_cd73bd9a-70b8-4d12-a253-10e31a56fb22" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0d89edf7-284b-44b0-97c9-fc41c352a506" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_cd73bd9a-70b8-4d12-a253-10e31a56fb22" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_27216b2d-41b4-4690-a774-d187ff1b7ca7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_cd73bd9a-70b8-4d12-a253-10e31a56fb22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_27216b2d-41b4-4690-a774-d187ff1b7ca7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_8debf17d-4707-4ef7-b808-bb8220d1f2f6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_27216b2d-41b4-4690-a774-d187ff1b7ca7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_8debf17d-4707-4ef7-b808-bb8220d1f2f6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AOCIOtherMember_1aff29c7-964a-495a-8fac-24d3c2296afa" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AOCIOtherMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_27216b2d-41b4-4690-a774-d187ff1b7ca7" xlink:to="loc_dal_AOCIOtherMember_1aff29c7-964a-495a-8fac-24d3c2296afa" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_78e4c0f0-3b70-4646-b462-bc00a1e1c445" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_27216b2d-41b4-4690-a774-d187ff1b7ca7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_78e4c0f0-3b70-4646-b462-bc00a1e1c445" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_91039c34-a4bf-4aa6-bb21-cdb5afa15360" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_05e9d16c-d256-4e23-b277-ca3b4ccadbb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_91039c34-a4bf-4aa6-bb21-cdb5afa15360" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_91039c34-a4bf-4aa6-bb21-cdb5afa15360_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_91039c34-a4bf-4aa6-bb21-cdb5afa15360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_91039c34-a4bf-4aa6-bb21-cdb5afa15360_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_a7869e41-082e-4c07-b6c1-0e7db5332ffb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_91039c34-a4bf-4aa6-bb21-cdb5afa15360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_a7869e41-082e-4c07-b6c1-0e7db5332ffb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_72537671-e70f-49c2-a027-a58a1a2b8043" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_a7869e41-082e-4c07-b6c1-0e7db5332ffb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_72537671-e70f-49c2-a027-a58a1a2b8043" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/Segments" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#Segments"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/Segments" xlink:type="extended" id="ibfb8fd9003b648a7990d90e96d869b26_Segments"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/SegmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#SegmentsTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/SegmentsTables" xlink:type="extended" id="if1e9f54f2a3d4a5cab6fdbc56ad76e22_SegmentsTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/SegmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#SegmentsNarrativeDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/SegmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i9e2262d652404632a843129b97b7ebd9_SegmentsNarrativeDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_498248d0-04dd-45ca-bb71-c6433f63dac4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_bffed9f2-80f1-462b-9a74-926bb99f2d58" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_498248d0-04dd-45ca-bb71-c6433f63dac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_bffed9f2-80f1-462b-9a74-926bb99f2d58" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_7f04a88c-d7c3-429a-9366-7226b79c82a5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_498248d0-04dd-45ca-bb71-c6433f63dac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_7f04a88c-d7c3-429a-9366-7226b79c82a5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1eab3631-5308-4cf5-b3c9-8b73218c05ec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_498248d0-04dd-45ca-bb71-c6433f63dac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1eab3631-5308-4cf5-b3c9-8b73218c05ec" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_32a13875-6e4a-4e37-a63c-269c1b40771c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1eab3631-5308-4cf5-b3c9-8b73218c05ec" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_32a13875-6e4a-4e37-a63c-269c1b40771c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_32a13875-6e4a-4e37-a63c-269c1b40771c_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_32a13875-6e4a-4e37-a63c-269c1b40771c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_32a13875-6e4a-4e37-a63c-269c1b40771c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_bd24e725-d680-4253-b620-47c8b917c638" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_32a13875-6e4a-4e37-a63c-269c1b40771c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_bd24e725-d680-4253-b620-47c8b917c638" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_14b16cbc-cc56-4d6c-be1e-32f50baf5333" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_bd24e725-d680-4253-b620-47c8b917c638" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_14b16cbc-cc56-4d6c-be1e-32f50baf5333" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_09e86ba0-5479-48cb-888f-07743d7b0a36" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1eab3631-5308-4cf5-b3c9-8b73218c05ec" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_09e86ba0-5479-48cb-888f-07743d7b0a36" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_09e86ba0-5479-48cb-888f-07743d7b0a36_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_09e86ba0-5479-48cb-888f-07743d7b0a36" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_09e86ba0-5479-48cb-888f-07743d7b0a36_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d5df94cb-67dd-4421-b4a4-c58d99dc2660" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_09e86ba0-5479-48cb-888f-07743d7b0a36" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d5df94cb-67dd-4421-b4a4-c58d99dc2660" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ExchangedProductsMember_7e593d00-4133-400a-b532-493f24864f98" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ExchangedProductsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d5df94cb-67dd-4421-b4a4-c58d99dc2660" xlink:to="loc_dal_ExchangedProductsMember_7e593d00-4133-400a-b532-493f24864f98" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/SegmentsScheduleofSegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#SegmentsScheduleofSegmentReportingDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/SegmentsScheduleofSegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i255916caf83448a39d460f26cbc1a4fc_SegmentsScheduleofSegmentReportingDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87294224-8514-4eb1-8372-29bd28f5c9a5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_b212b335-f919-42be-91bb-1266d3f33a20" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87294224-8514-4eb1-8372-29bd28f5c9a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_b212b335-f919-42be-91bb-1266d3f33a20" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_c0eb8075-bb02-4735-bb55-fb82060270a6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_b212b335-f919-42be-91bb-1266d3f33a20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_c0eb8075-bb02-4735-bb55-fb82060270a6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_92f821bb-a7bb-43a2-8ace-826c3d9bf797" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_b212b335-f919-42be-91bb-1266d3f33a20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_92f821bb-a7bb-43a2-8ace-826c3d9bf797" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_19ccfbdf-912d-4c12-bb19-05adbf5443a3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_b212b335-f919-42be-91bb-1266d3f33a20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_19ccfbdf-912d-4c12-bb19-05adbf5443a3" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_89aacc9e-24bf-4c6c-b760-3d32ee4e8292" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_b212b335-f919-42be-91bb-1266d3f33a20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_89aacc9e-24bf-4c6c-b760-3d32ee4e8292" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_d195d5de-6c2d-4e0e-968d-4275f44146f8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_b212b335-f919-42be-91bb-1266d3f33a20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_d195d5de-6c2d-4e0e-968d-4275f44146f8" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_f7d7e23f-97e1-4a51-9ca9-484ed12de3e6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_b212b335-f919-42be-91bb-1266d3f33a20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_f7d7e23f-97e1-4a51-9ca9-484ed12de3e6" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_a0b9c4d9-20cf-42f7-960d-8840016f25e8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_b212b335-f919-42be-91bb-1266d3f33a20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_a0b9c4d9-20cf-42f7-960d-8840016f25e8" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_eab4bcce-5f5c-4248-93c4-c1fe9514f82d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87294224-8514-4eb1-8372-29bd28f5c9a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_eab4bcce-5f5c-4248-93c4-c1fe9514f82d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_232959ea-f406-480c-888f-9f6783eb277c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_eab4bcce-5f5c-4248-93c4-c1fe9514f82d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_232959ea-f406-480c-888f-9f6783eb277c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_232959ea-f406-480c-888f-9f6783eb277c_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_232959ea-f406-480c-888f-9f6783eb277c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_232959ea-f406-480c-888f-9f6783eb277c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_41be2c78-549a-461e-a02d-4e3d72de83e5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_232959ea-f406-480c-888f-9f6783eb277c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_41be2c78-549a-461e-a02d-4e3d72de83e5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_7d8f8cad-ed34-4c24-bfd1-cbbc267c194e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_41be2c78-549a-461e-a02d-4e3d72de83e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_7d8f8cad-ed34-4c24-bfd1-cbbc267c194e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_b94e3938-fb44-443f-ae18-96378d2b8b5a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_41be2c78-549a-461e-a02d-4e3d72de83e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_b94e3938-fb44-443f-ae18-96378d2b8b5a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3cbb2939-7127-4d10-95b1-959ac1c33b49" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_eab4bcce-5f5c-4248-93c4-c1fe9514f82d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3cbb2939-7127-4d10-95b1-959ac1c33b49" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3cbb2939-7127-4d10-95b1-959ac1c33b49_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3cbb2939-7127-4d10-95b1-959ac1c33b49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3cbb2939-7127-4d10-95b1-959ac1c33b49_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_73ed8ec5-041c-4739-beb5-ec79fcbea8fe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3cbb2939-7127-4d10-95b1-959ac1c33b49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_73ed8ec5-041c-4739-beb5-ec79fcbea8fe" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_AirlineMember_483b2f70-adff-44d8-95ec-89ddbf3d0292" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_AirlineMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_73ed8ec5-041c-4739-beb5-ec79fcbea8fe" xlink:to="loc_dal_AirlineMember_483b2f70-adff-44d8-95ec-89ddbf3d0292" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_RefineryMember_d98bee68-30cb-4b5d-9269-4f6f45e29ee5" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_RefineryMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_73ed8ec5-041c-4739-beb5-ec79fcbea8fe" xlink:to="loc_dal_RefineryMember_d98bee68-30cb-4b5d-9269-4f6f45e29ee5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_d20a4ad2-d630-417b-b335-8c13070789bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_eab4bcce-5f5c-4248-93c4-c1fe9514f82d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_d20a4ad2-d630-417b-b335-8c13070789bd" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d20a4ad2-d630-417b-b335-8c13070789bd_default" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_d20a4ad2-d630-417b-b335-8c13070789bd" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d20a4ad2-d630-417b-b335-8c13070789bd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d2def1dd-6960-42b5-8792-3c70b029fc6f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_d20a4ad2-d630-417b-b335-8c13070789bd" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d2def1dd-6960-42b5-8792-3c70b029fc6f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SalestoairlinesegmentMember_13f82a54-46fd-4af7-ae48-5e8c61260c53" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SalestoairlinesegmentMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d2def1dd-6960-42b5-8792-3c70b029fc6f" xlink:to="loc_dal_SalestoairlinesegmentMember_13f82a54-46fd-4af7-ae48-5e8c61260c53" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_ExchangedProductsMember_d4ad5dd6-2587-4cc0-b612-0f6e05880ff6" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_ExchangedProductsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d2def1dd-6960-42b5-8792-3c70b029fc6f" xlink:to="loc_dal_ExchangedProductsMember_d4ad5dd6-2587-4cc0-b612-0f6e05880ff6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dal_SalesofrefinedproductstothirdpartiesMember_4246db3e-1224-40b0-8ad3-e506d4d16f01" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#dal_SalesofrefinedproductstothirdpartiesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d2def1dd-6960-42b5-8792-3c70b029fc6f" xlink:to="loc_dal_SalesofrefinedproductstothirdpartiesMember_4246db3e-1224-40b0-8ad3-e506d4d16f01" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/LossEarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#LossEarningsPerShare"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/LossEarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" id="i00ec3e191d8b44d0ad5fd0e05f58932c_LossEarningsPerShare"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/LossEarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#LossEarningsPerShareTables"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/LossEarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" id="ibd471d50ce6046e688d994a3504adf19_LossEarningsPerShareTables"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.delta.com/role/LossEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="dal-20201231.xsd#LossEarningsPerShareDetails"/>
<link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.delta.com/role/LossEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="if92e5cf35d804a5ea8e5e721328dc221_LossEarningsPerShareDetails"/>
</link:linkbase>


12 Subsequent Filings that Reference this Filing

  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size             Issuer                      Filing Agent

 4/10/24  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        3/31/24   63:6.9M
 2/12/24  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-K       12/31/23  113:14M
10/12/23  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        9/30/23   63:6.8M
 7/13/23  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        6/30/23   64:6.7M
 6/16/23  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             S-3ASR      6/16/23    6:492K                                   GlobalOne Filings Inc/FA
 4/13/23  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        3/31/23   62:5.6M
 2/10/23  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-K       12/31/22  114:16M
10/13/22  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        9/30/22   66:8.7M
 7/13/22  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        6/30/22   65:7.6M
 4/13/22  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        3/31/22   64:6.1M
 2/11/22  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             S-3ASR      2/11/22    4:150K                                   GlobalOne Filings Inc/FA
 2/11/22  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-K       12/31/21  113:16M


21 Previous Filings that this Filing References

  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size             Issuer                      Filing Agent

10/14/20  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        9/30/20   84:11M
 9/25/20  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             8-K:1,2,7,9 9/23/20   12:2.7M                                   GlobalOne Filings Inc/FA
 7/15/20  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        6/30/20   85:15M
 4/30/20  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             8-K:1,2,7,9 4/29/20   13:1.4M                                   Donnelley … Solutions/FA
 4/22/20  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        3/31/20   80:10M
 2/13/20  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-K       12/31/19  117:17M
10/10/19  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        9/30/19   70:8.9M
 4/10/19  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        3/31/19   69:7M
 2/15/19  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-K       12/31/18  119:16M
 2/08/19  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             8-K:5,9     2/07/19    2:235K                                   GlobalOne Filings Inc/FA
 7/12/18  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        6/30/18   75:9.6M
 4/12/18  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        3/31/18   73:6.2M
 2/23/18  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-K       12/31/17  113:17M
10/11/17  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        9/30/17   65:9.4M
 7/13/17  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        6/30/17   70:6.9M
 7/15/16  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-Q        6/30/16   66:9.1M
 2/11/15  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-K       12/31/14  118:21M
 6/27/14  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             8-K:5,9     6/27/14    3:183K                                   Publicease Inc./FA
 2/10/12  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-K       12/31/11  111:18M                                    Workiva Inc.
 2/16/11  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             10-K       12/31/10   11:3.2M                                   Donnelley … Solutions/FA
 4/30/07  Delta Air Lines, Inc.             8-K:1,2,3,5 4/30/07    6:512K                                   Toppan Vite NY Inc./FA
Top
Filing Submission 0000027904-21-000003   –   Alternative Formats (Word / Rich Text, HTML, Plain Text, et al.)

Copyright © 2024 Fran Finnegan & Company LLC – All Rights Reserved.
AboutPrivacyRedactionsHelp — Fri., May 3, 6:32:52.3am ET