President Trump explicitly voiced opposition to the merger.

While the economics are tough, the technology is evolving. The introduction of the is fundamentally changing long-haul travel.

A major driver of airline instability in early 2026 has been the conflict between Israel, the U.S., and Iran, which began in late February.

Following the failed bid and ongoing war-related costs, shares for both carriers saw significant double-digit drops this year. Economic Headwinds: The "Iran War" and Rising Costs