Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines withdrew their application for US government approval to expand their ties with European carriers in the Skyteam alliance, the airlines said on Wednesday.

The move was largely a formality since their bid for broad exemption from antitrust laws was rejected last month by the Transportation Department, pending review of public comments. Agency orders are rarely overturned.

"Upon reviewing the order and concluding it is unlikely DOT could be persuaded to reach a different conclusion at this time, the carriers decided to withdraw the application," Northwest said in a statement.

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