Allegiant–Sun Country merger: CEO says more budget MSP flights coming
Allegiant is buying Sun Country in a $1.5 billion cash-and-stock deal, with the combination framed as a 2026 merger that will keep a significant presence at MSP’s Terminal 2. Sun Country CEO Jude Bricker says the tie-up is a growth opportunity that will bring more budget flights out of Minneapolis–Saint Paul and expand routes — including new international destinations — from the airport.
📌 Key Facts
- The transaction is being framed as a merger expected to take effect in 2026, giving a clearer operational timeline beyond the initial announcement.
- Sun Country CEO Jude Bricker says the Allegiant–Sun Country merger will produce more low-cost/budget flights out of Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).
- Bricker and reporting characterize the deal as a growth opportunity for MSP rather than a retrenchment.
- The merged carrier plans to maintain a significant presence at MSP — including continued operations in Terminal 2 — and to keep MSP as a key hub in its network strategy.
- The combined airline expects to add new routes from MSP, including potential international destinations, expanding options for metro-area travelers.
📊 Relevant Data
Sun Country Airlines held an 11.5% passenger market share at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) in 2024, making it the second-largest carrier after Delta Air Lines.
Las Vegas-Based Allegiant to Acquire Sun Country Airlines — Twin Cities Business
Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines have limited route overlap, with Allegiant focusing on small-to-medium markets and Sun Country emphasizing leisure destinations from MSP, potentially reducing antitrust concerns compared to mergers with more direct competition.
Why the Allegiant–Sun Country merger could test US antitrust rules — Aerospace Global News
Historical analysis of U.S. airline mergers, such as Delta-Northwest and United-Continental, shows that post-merger airfares increased by an average of 4-10% on overlapping routes due to reduced competition.
An Analysis of the Effect of Airline Mergers on Airfares — University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons
In the 2013 American Airlines-US Airways merger, prices decreased in large markets but increased in small markets, with an overall net effect of higher fares in less competitive routes.
Are legacy airline mergers pro- or anti-competitive? Evidence from recent U.S. airline mergers — ScienceDirect
The Allegiant-Sun Country merger is expected to face Department of Justice review, with executives anticipating approval due to complementary networks, but it must demonstrate no harm to competition in underserved markets.
The Allegiant-Sun Country Merger: A $1.5B Disruptor in the U.S. Airline Sector — AInvest
📰 Source Timeline (3)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Sun Country CEO Jude Bricker says the Allegiant–Sun Country merger will result in more budget flights out of Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.
- Bricker characterizes the deal as a growth opportunity for MSP, not a retrenchment.
- Article reinforces that MSP remains a key hub in the merged carrier’s network strategy.
- The combination is framed as a 2026 merger, giving a clearer operational timeline than just the transaction announcement.
- Local reporting further underscores that the merged carrier plans to maintain a significant presence at MSP and in Terminal 2, reassuring on continued service from the Twin Cities.
- Article reiterates expectations of new routes and international destinations from MSP after the merger, adding detail to what the combined network might look like for metro travelers.