Judge Derrick Watson Dismisses Lawsuit, Extends Review of Alaska-Hawaiian $1.9 Billion Merger

Aug 14, 2024, 10:32 AM

A U.S. judge, Chief US District Judge Derrick Watson, has dismissed a consumer lawsuit aiming to block Alaska Airlines' proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. The lawsuit, led by a group of airline passengers and travel agents, claimed the merger would reduce routes and increase prices. Despite the dismissal, the merger still faces regulatory scrutiny from the Department of Justice (DOJ). Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Holdings have agreed to extend the review period of their proposed deal by a day, now set to conclude on August 16, 2024, to allow more time for discussions with U.S. antitrust enforcers.