Allegiant Air and Sun Country complete merger, creating larger budget airline for travelers

In this May 9, 2013, file photo, two Allegiant Air jets taxi at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker, File)

A Sun Country Airlines jet is pushed back from a gate at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport in Sarasota, Fla., Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar,File)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Allegiant Air said Wednesday it has completed its purchase of Sun Country Airlines, finalizing a deal that combines two low-cost carriers at a turbulent time for the budget airline industry following the recent shutdown of rival Spirit Airlines.

Las Vegas-based Allegiant said the transaction closed after receiving required regulatory and shareholder approvals. When the deal was first announced in January, Allegiant said it was valued at about $1.5 billion, including debt.

“Today marks a defining moment in Allegiant’s history as we officially join forces with Sun Country,” Allegiant CEO Gregory Anderson said in a statement, adding that the new combined airline is positioned to offer broader access to affordable travel.