A US judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Alaska Airlines’ proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. Chief US District Judge Derrick Watson in Hawaii ruled that the plaintiffs, who were airline passengers, lacked the legal standing to sue over the merger, stating that they failed to demonstrate any personal connection to the airlines that would result in concrete or particularized harm. Alaska Airlines, the fifth-largest carrier in the US, welcomed the ruling, asserting that the merger would enhance consumer benefits and expand travel options. The airline also described the plaintiffs as “serial litigants” who presented “boilerplate” claims.
Despite this setback, the consumers' attorney, Joseph Alioto, announced plans to appeal the decision. The merger, announced last year, still awaits regulatory approval from the US Department of Justice, whose response is pending. Hawaiian Airlines, though not a defendant in the case, plays a crucial role in the deal, which Alaska Airlines argues will increase customer access to more destinations. The merger is part of Alaska Airlines’ broader strategy to expand its competitive US airline market presence.
