Merger in the air

Oberstar asks DOJ to reject Delta-Northwest combo

Washington (AP) — Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar wants the Justice Department to reject the planned combination of Delta and Northwest airlines.

Oberstar is a Democrat and chairman of the House Transportation committee. He has said before that he opposes Delta's buyout of Northwest.

In a new letter he's asking the Justice Department to look at the deal to see whether it would force other carriers to merge and ultimately raise fares and reduce service. He wants Justice to do, quote, "the most intensive review" of all elements of the deal, including its impact on other carriers.

The Justice Department can sue to block the deal if it thinks it would hurt competition.

Northwest and Delta have said they have little overlap so there should be little concern about competition.