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Judge Rejects Second Challenge to Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines Merger as Integration Moves Forward

By  |  April 27, 2026

A federal judge has dismissed, for the second time, a legal challenge brought by airline passengers seeking to block the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, dealing another setback to critics of the deal.

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    The ruling came on April 24, when Judge Micah W.J. Smith of the US District Court for the District of Hawaii determined that the plaintiffs failed to adequately support their claims that the merger would harm competition. According to Bloomberg, the passengers argued that the combination would raise ticket prices and reduce the number of available flights to and from Hawaii. However, the judge found that the complaint did not sufficiently define the relevant geographic market or demonstrate concrete anticompetitive effects.

    Per a Bloomberg report, the court dismissed the lawsuit but allowed the plaintiffs an opportunity to file an amended complaint if they can provide stronger factual support. The decision marks the second time the group has failed to persuade the court that the merger violates federal antitrust laws.

    Related: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Enter Timing Agreement with DOJ

    While legal challenges continue, Alaska Airlines has been moving ahead with integrating Hawaiian Airlines into its broader operations. This week, the company announced a significant milestone: Hawaiian Airlines has officially joined the Oneworld global alliance, a network anchored by American Airlines.

    According to Bloomberg, the move expands benefits for frequent flyers across both carriers. Customers enrolled in the combined loyalty program, Atmos Rewards, can now earn and redeem points across all 14 member airlines in the alliance. These airlines collectively serve nearly 1,000 destinations in more than 170 countries, significantly broadening travel options for members.

    Per a Bloomberg report, the integration also works in reverse, allowing loyalty members from other Oneworld airlines to earn and redeem points and access elite status benefits when flying on Hawaiian Airlines. The development represents a major step in aligning Hawaiian Airlines with Alaska’s global partnerships and enhancing its reach beyond the Pacific region.

    Source: Bloomberg