Allegiant to Acquire Sun Country Airlines for $1.5 Billion


Skift Take

Big news for a sleepy Sunday afternoon: Airline consolidation has been looming over 2026, but a merger between Allegiant and Sun Country underscores just how quickly that pressure is translating into action.

Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines said Sunday they have agreed to merge in a deal that would create one of the largest leisure-focused airlines in the U.S., combining two carriers built around flexible capacity, seasonal demand, and ancillary-heavy business models.

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Allegiant will acquire Sun Country in a cash-and-stock transaction valuing Sun Country at about $1.5 billion, including roughly $400 million of net debt. The consideration represents a premium of nearly 20% to Sun Country’s closing price on January 9.

Allegiant shareholders will own approximately 67% of the combined company, with Sun Country shareholders holding the remaining 33% on a fully diluted basis. The transaction is expected to close in the second h