United approached Delta last year about a merger, report says
United reportedly explored a merger with Delta before later approaching American, but Delta’s preliminary review did not advance to formal talks because antitrust barriers were seen as too high.
Fact Check
The WSJ exclusive confirms United's Scott Kirby approached Delta's Ed Bastian about a merger last year but talks didn't advance. The Investing.com/Yahoo report corroborates that Delta conducted only preliminary due diligence that did not become formal talks, that antitrust barriers were the reason, and that United subsequently approached American. These align precisely with the claim.
Summary
United Airlines approached Delta Air Lines in 2025 about a potential merger before later approaching American Airlines, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Delta reviewed the idea after United CEO Scott Kirby contacted Delta CEO Ed Bastian, but preliminary due diligence did not lead to formal negotiations because the regulatory obstacles to combining two major U.S. carriers were viewed as overwhelming.
Terms & Concepts
- preliminary due diligence: An early review of a potential transaction’s finances, operations and risks before formal deal talks begin.
- antitrust scrutiny: Regulatory review aimed at determining whether a merger would reduce competition or harm consumers.
- takeoff and landing slots: Regulated rights to operate flights at capacity-constrained airports, often central to airline merger remedies.