(ATLANTA) Delta Air Lines will end its commissary services contract with Unifi Aviation at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, leading to layoffs for about 379 workers on September 30, 2025. The change follows a WARN Act filing in early August and signals a move to a new provider, expected to be Newrest.
The decision affects assembly agents, drivers, and other support staff who prepare and deliver prepackaged food and drinks to Delta flights at one of the world’s busiest hubs. While the airline says jobs will be available with the incoming provider, there is no automatic transfer, and workers must apply for positions with Newrest.
What’s changing and when
- Effective date of layoffs: September 30, 2025
- Workers affected: 379 Unifi Aviation employees
- 113 assembly agents
- 118 drivers
- Nearly 150 support staff
- New provider: Newrest is expected to take over commissary operations
Unifi filed the required notice under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which requires at least 60 days’ advance notice of mass layoffs. The company’s filing in early August meets that standard.
Who is impacted
- Non-union workforce: The affected employees are not unionized.
- No bumping rights: Workers cannot displace others to keep their jobs.
- Varied roles: Staff range from warehouse assembly to airside delivery, meaning both landside and ramp operations will feel the effects.
This is a large shift for Atlanta’s aviation ecosystem. Commissary services touch nearly every departure, and a handoff between providers at Hartsfield-Jackson requires careful planning to avoid service gaps.
What Delta Air Lines and Newrest say
Delta has indicated that jobs will be available with the new provider but has not released detailed public guidance on how many roles will be offered or which positions will be prioritized. Newrest is expected to absorb some of the workforce but has not publicly shared hiring numbers or timelines.
Key point for workers: there is no automatic transfer. Anyone who wants to continue in a similar role must submit a new application to Newrest or another airport contractor.
What workers should do now
- Apply early: Watch for job postings from Newrest and apply as soon as openings appear. Keep copies of your current job title, duties, and any certifications.
- Update documents: Prepare a short resume highlighting fast-turn operations, food safety, ramp safety, and airport security badge experience.
- Gather references: Ask supervisors at Unifi for written references now, while teams are still in place.
- Track communication: Save all emails and letters from Unifi and Delta — they can help with future applications or program eligibility.
- Check state support: Review unemployment and retraining options through the Georgia Department of Labor: https://dol.georgia.gov/unemployment.
- Look across the airport: In addition to Newrest, watch job boards for other vendors at Hartsfield-Jackson that handle catering, ground support, or logistics.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, similar contractor changes in airline hubs sometimes lead to partial rehiring by the incoming company, though results vary by provider and operational needs.
Why this is happening
Airlines routinely review ground and catering contracts to cut costs, improve reliability, or shift service models. Aviation analysts note that contract transitions like this are not rare, but the size—nearly 400 workers—stands out even at a major hub. Delta’s move suggests a strategic reset of how food and beverage services reach aircraft, with Newrest positioned to run the next phase.
Operational impact at the airport
A change in commissary provider touches multiple steps in a flight’s day, including:
- Assembly lines: Loading carts with meals, snacks, and beverages.
- Cold chain: Handling temperature-sensitive items safely and quickly.
- Ramp timing: Coordinating deliveries to aircraft between turns.
- Compliance: Meeting airport security and safety rules.
The handover needs a tightly managed schedule to keep flights stocked and on time. Even small delays on short turns can ripple across the day’s schedule. That’s why airlines often plan overlap periods, training days, and staged handoffs—details that Delta and Newrest are expected to outline in the coming weeks.
Worker protections and limits
- WARN Act notice: Filed in early August, offering at least 60 days’ notice before the September 30 effective date.
- No union contract: Without a union, affected workers have less leverage to seek severance or transfer rights.
- Re-application required: Workers who want to stay in similar roles must apply to the new provider.
Labor advocates have urged Delta and Newrest to prioritize rehiring, offer clear timelines, and provide transition help. While there is no guarantee, past industry shifts have sometimes included job fairs and onboarding sessions to speed hiring.
Important: There is no automatic job transfer — affected workers must reapply for positions with Newrest or other contractors.
What to watch next
- Hiring announcements: Job fairs, posting dates, and onboarding steps from Newrest.
- Shift continuity: Whether Newrest retains similar shift patterns and pay scales.
- Training and badges: How quickly the new provider can process airport badge renewals and safety training, essential for ramp access.
- Service performance: On-time delivery of carts and supplies during the transition.
Practical checklist for affected employees
- Mark September 30, 2025 on your calendar.
- Collect proof of employment and job duties from Unifi Aviation.
- Prepare applications for Newrest and other airport contractors.
- Set aside time for interviews and onboarding in late summer and early fall.
- Visit the Georgia Department of Labor site for benefits and workshops: https://dol.georgia.gov/unemployment.
- Keep personal records of hours, pay, and any unused leave for potential claims.
Background and scale
Unifi Aviation has long supported commissary work for Delta at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Delta’s shift to a new partner marks a major operational change at its home hub. While everyday travelers might never see commissary teams, their work keeps cabins stocked; when this system changes hands, both the operation and hundreds of families across the Atlanta area feel it.
VisaVerge.com reports that outcomes in similar transitions often depend on how quickly the new provider ramps up and how many roles match the old staffing plan.
Official resources
- Georgia Department of Labor (unemployment and worker support): https://dol.georgia.gov/unemployment
For updates, workers should monitor information from Delta Air Lines, Unifi Aviation, and Newrest. As the situation evolves, new postings and timelines are likely in the coming weeks. For those affected, acting early, staying organized, and applying to multiple openings at the airport can make a real difference. In the end, a smooth handoff depends on clear communication and quick hiring to keep flights stocked and crews supported across the United States 🇺🇸.
This Article in a Nutshell
Delta’s commissary contract change will displace 379 Unifi Aviation workers on September 30, 2025. Newrest is expected to take over operations. There is no automatic job transfer; affected non-union employees must apply for new positions while pursuing unemployment and retraining through Georgia resources.
