United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby approached Delta Air Lines chief executive Ed Bastian last year about a possible merger, and Delta carried out preliminary due diligence before the idea went no further. The discussion did not develop beyond an early exploratory phase.
The reported approach would have brought together two of the largest and most valuable U.S. network carriers, a combination that would likely have faced major antitrust scrutiny. The talks remained limited, with Delta ultimately deciding not to pursue the proposal.
The report adds to earlier indications that United had been weighing consolidation options more broadly, including similar overtures involving American Airlines that also did not advance. United and Delta both declined to comment, while Delta shares rose after the story became public.