# A merger of two of the biggest U.S. ​carriers could be the largest ever airline consolidation in more than a decade.

*business · news · 2026-04-14 · Reuters*

## Key points

- A potential merger between American and United would be the largest U.S. airline consolidation in over a decade.
- United CEO Scott Kirby proposed the merger idea at a February 25 White House meeting about Dulles airport.
- Kirby argued the merger would help U.S. airlines compete internationally against foreign carriers dominating long-haul routes.
- Antitrust experts warn the merger would face major regulatory hurdles due to competition and route overlap concerns.

**Companies:** American Airlines, United Airlines
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/united-american-airlines-climb-after-news-kirby-floating-merger-with-trump-2026-04-14/)

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