Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Alaska Airlines Merger

A U.S. District Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit aimed at blocking Alaska Airlines' $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing to prove personal harm from the merger. The lawsuit, filed by a group of airline passengers and former travel agents, argued that the merger would reduce competition, increase prices, and threaten the Hawaiian airline's brand. Chief Judge Derrick Watson stated the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate a personal connection to either airline, thereby not satisfying the requirements for legal standing. Alaska Airlines welcomed the ruling, asserting the merger would benefit consumers and enhance service options. Despite the dismissal, the plaintiffs plan to appeal the decision, with their attorney expressing intentions to take the case to a higher court. The merger awaits a final decision from the U.S. Department of Justice, which is reviewing the acquisition amidst other regulatory challenges.