Dhaka, April 18 -- American Airlines has rejected the prospect of a merger with United Airlines. The airline said it had not held any such discussions, adding that a potential combination would be harmful to competition and consumers.

A merger between the two carriers would represent the most significant consolidation in the U.S. airline industry in over a decade. Including international routes, United and American were already the world's two largest airlines by available capacity in 2025.

"While changes in the broader airline marketplace may be necessary, a combination with United would be negative for competition and for consumers," American Airlines said in a statement. The airline added that such a deal would be inconsistent with i...