Justice Dept. approves United/Continental merger

The United States Justice Department has approved the planned $3 billion merger between United Airlines and Continental Airlines, the New York Times is reporting on its website.

The approval lifts the biggest regulatory hurdle to the creation of the world’s top airline, the story states.

United and Continental announced the planned merger in May, and now expect to complete the deal within a few weeks, after shareholders of both companies vote on the proposal Sept. 17.

In a statement posted on its website, the Justice Department said it has “closed its investigation” into the proposed merger after both airlkines agreed to give take and landing slots to Southwest Airlines at Newark Liberty International Airport.