Air TransportAllegiant has received U.S. antitrust clearance for its planned acquisition of Sun Country Airlines, clearing a key regulatory hurdle as the companies move toward completing the transaction. The approval includes the early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, allowing the process to advance faster than initially expected.
The Las Vegas-based company said the deal is now expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2026, slightly ahead of earlier projections that pointed to the second half of the year. The transaction still depends on approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as shareholder consent from both airlines.
“Receiving U.S. antitrust clearance from the Department of Justice is an important step,” said CEO Greg Anderson, adding that the company remains confident in the strategic rationale of the combination.
First announced in January, the agreement values Sun Country at approximately $1.5 billion, including about $400 million in net debt. Under the terms, Sun Country shareholders will receive 0.1557 Allegiant shares and $4.10 in cash per share, representing a premium of nearly 20% over the airline’s pre-announcement stock price. Once finalized, Allegiant shareholders are expected to hold 67% of the combined company, with Sun Country investors owning the remaining 33%.
The merger will bring together two leisure-focused carriers with complementary business models. The combined airline is expected to operate more than 650 routes, integrating Allegiant’s extensive network from smaller U.S. cities with Sun Country’s scheduled and charter operations.
Allegiant currently operates a fleet of 125 aircraft, comprising 28 Airbus A319s, 80 A320s and 17 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets. Sun Country, in turn, flies an all-Boeing fleet of 69 aircraft, including 66 737-800s and three 737-900ERs.
Following the merger, the combined group is projected to operate roughly 195 aircraft and serve around 175 airports, strengthening its position in the highly consolidated U.S. airline market. The companies have also outlined plans to expand into international leisure destinations, leveraging Allegiant’s existing network strategy.
