05:34 PM EDT, 04/15/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Allegiant Travel ( ALGT ) and Sun Country Airlines ( SNCY ) said late Wednesday the US Department of Transportation has allowed both airlines to continue operating as separate carriers under common ownership after merger closing.

The approval followed their joint interim exemption application to the department, they said, adding that the milestone is a key step toward completing Allegiant's acquisition of Sun Country.

The firms said they now expect the closing to occur as early as May 13, following shareholder approval at their special meetings.