United Airlines Explores Merger Talks With Delta Air Lines

WHO:

Inc - Scott Kirby is the CEO of United Airlines; Ed Bastian is the CEO of Delta Air Lines.

Fox Business - United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are two of the largest U.S. carriers.

WHAT:

Fox Business - United Airlines reportedly approached Delta Air Lines about a potential merger last year.

Fox Business - Leadership at Delta discussed the merger proposal and conducted "preliminary due diligence," but the talks did not advance.

Fox Business - United Airlines also explored a possible merger with American Airlines earlier this year, which was rejected by American Airlines' CEO Robert Isom, who called it "anticompetitive."

Fox Business - Kirby has downplayed the likelihood of pursuing a major merger, stating that "consolidation is unlikely for United."

WHERE:

Fox Business - The discussions regarding the merger took place between United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

WHEN:

Fox Business - The merger talks between United and Delta occurred last year.

Fox Business - Kirby made comments about the likelihood of consolidation at the International Air Transport Association’s annual meeting in Rio de Janeiro last month.

WHY:

Inc - Scott Kirby believes a high-stakes deal could lead to exponential growth for United Airlines.

Fox Business - A merger between United and Delta would have significant implications for the airline industry and likely face scrutiny from federal antitrust regulators and state attorneys general.

HOW:

Fox Business - Kirby contacted Delta's CEO to pitch the potential merger.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 17:34 UTC)

United Airlines, led by CEO Scott Kirby, reportedly approached Delta Air Lines, headed by Ed Bastian, about a potential merger last year, but the discussions did not progress beyond preliminary due diligence. Earlier this year, United also explored a merger with American Airlines, which was rejected by American's CEO Robert Isom, who deemed it "anticompetitive." Kirby has since downplayed the likelihood of a major merger, stating that "consolidation is unlikely for United," despite his belief that such a deal could drive exponential growth for the airline.