Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Dubai-based airline Emirates is denying media reports it might merge with Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways or that it’s the target of a partial buyout.
A statement Monday by the fast-growing Emirates says “there are no merger talks taking place” between the rival Emirati carriers.
Etihad also says it “can categorically state that there are no talks โ either formal or informal” of a possible deal.
Merger speculation has grown in recent weeks amid concerns over the debt load carried by Dubai and its state-owned companies, including Emirates.
Emirates also says it has “no knowledge” that oil-rich Abu Dhabi, the UAE federal government or another carrier might take a stake in the airline.