Allegiant Air to acquire Sun Country Airlines for $1.5 billion
3 minute readPublished: Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7:38 pm
Allegiant Air to Acquire Sun Country Airlines in $1.5 Billion Deal
In a move poised to reshape the budget airline landscape, Allegiant Air has announced its intention to acquire Sun Country Airlines for a deal valued at $1.5 billion. Executives from both companies have expressed optimism about the merger, citing the complementary nature of their route networks and the potential to expand affordable travel options for consumers.
The combined entity, operating under the Allegiant name, is projected to serve approximately 175 cities with over 650 routes. The fleet will comprise roughly 195 aircraft. The merger is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent from Sun Country.
Both Allegiant and Sun Country have demonstrated success with leisure-focused, flexible capacity models. Allegiant CEO Gregory Anderson highlighted the confidence in the combined organization's potential, citing the profitability of both airlines.
Until the merger is finalized, travelers can expect business as usual. Ticketing, flight schedules, and the overall travel experience will remain unchanged. The Sun Country brand will also continue to operate as it does now.
The merged airline will be headquartered in Las Vegas, with a significant presence maintained in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, where Sun Country is currently based. Sun Country's charter and cargo businesses will also continue to operate.
Gregory Anderson will lead the combined airline as CEO, while Sun Country CEO Jude Bricker will join the company's board of directors. Bricker, who previously held a leadership position at Allegiant, expressed confidence in the merger's synergy.
BNN's Perspective: The acquisition of Sun Country by Allegiant Air represents a significant consolidation in the budget airline sector. While the merger promises increased route options and potentially lower fares for consumers, regulators will need to carefully scrutinize the deal to ensure that competition is maintained and that consumers ultimately benefit from the consolidation. The success of the merger will depend on the effective integration of the two airlines and the ability to maintain the distinct strengths of each carrier.
Keywords: Allegiant Air, Sun Country Airlines, airline merger, acquisition, budget airline, travel, routes, fleet, Gregory Anderson, Jude Bricker, consolidation, affordable travel, regulatory approval, shareholders, Minneapolis, Las Vegas.