Once a key player at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the airline is now all but leaving the world's third-busiest airport.

Delta officials listened as CEO Gerald Grinstein explained the plan to save the airline billions of dollars.

"We're talking about transforming the company." Grinstein said.

The transformation will begin by cutting as many as 7,000 jobs including a reported 2,000 at DFW. Delta will also cut management by 15 percent and close its DFW hub.

By the end of the year, Delta will go from 256 flights a day out of DFW to 21. Delta comprises 21 percent of DFW departures.

"Short term, I think it will have an impact, long term, I think it will better diversify the offerings here at DFW," DFW Airport CEO Jeff Fegan said.

Last week, American Airlines announced it will add 70 new flights at DFW by next summer.

Airport officials say Delta has lease agreements through 2009, but now many of those gates, ticket counters and parking facilities will become available.

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	Delta cuts Delta Airlines will cut 2,000 jobs at DFW Airport and reduce its flights to 21.

Southwest Airlines officials would only say they're "watching the situation unfold." Airport officials believe other airlines are doing the same.

"I think you'll find a lot of airlines very interested in filling those gaps that are created by Delta Airlines," Fegan said.

The Delta flight cuts will cost DFW International Airport about $20 million next year. Travelers also will feel the squeeze.

Business traveler Elizabeth Hamilton is a silver medallion frequent flyer. Based out of Florida, she flies to Dallas at least once a month.

"Well, I'm disappointed because I like Delta because they give great service in terms of what the other airlines offer and I just prefer flying Delta," Hamilton said.

Now, she'll have to shop around like Amanda Boone.

"I'm going to have to look at different airlines which have pretty cruddy connections which is the reason I go Delta," Boone said.

Now customers and employees wonder how Delta will land.

While reducing its Dallas hub, Delta is expanding its hubs in Cincinnati and Salt Lake City. Despite the moves, company officials say bankruptcy is still a possibility.