The attorneys general from California, Maryland, New Jersey, and North Carolina have joined an antitrust lawsuit to prevent JetBlue Airways from acquiring Spirit Airlines.
“This merger could decrease competition in air travel, leading to fewer flight options and increased costs for travelers,” said North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein. “A merger might benefit the airlines, but it could harm their customers.”
Several states, including Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia, have joined the US Department of Justice and attorneys general in challenging the $3.8 billion deal.
Related: JetBlue & Spirit Airlines Antitrust Trial Date Set For October
The Justice Department earlier this month filed a lawsuit seeking to block the acquisition, arguing the deal would stifle competition and lead to higher fares for tens of millions of travelers.
At the time, JetBlue and Spirit said they would fight the Justice Department’s lawsuit, and that their merger would increase competition among major airlines and ultimately benefit air travelers.
JetBlue in July agreed to buy Spirit following a monthslong bidding war between JetBlue and Frontier Group.
