U.S. carrier Delta Air Lines Inc. is considering extending support to bankrupt Skymark Airlines Inc., sources close to the matter said Tuesday, a potential deal that could change the dynamics of Japan's closed domestic airline market.

Delta may take part in a restructuring plan proposed by U.S. aircraft leasing company Intrepid Aviation Ltd., Skymark's biggest creditor, the sources said, with talks underway to invest in the Japanese budget airline.

A Delta official said the U.S. airline is in talks with Intrepid, but that it would be "premature" to comment on the matter.

Skymark went bankrupt in January and submitted a restructuring plan to the Tokyo District Court that centers on capital injection by ANA Holdings Inc. and other partners. ANA Holdings is the parent of All Nippon Airways Co., one of Japan's major air carriers.

Intrepid Aviation opposed ANA's participation and made a counterproposal, prompting creditors to choose from the two restructuring schemes for Skymark on Aug. 5.

Intrepid had indicated it was in negotiations with two airline companies, with Delta viewed as one of the candidates.

For any of the plans to go ahead, approval by creditors owed more than half of the carrier's overall debt is necessary.

Departure and arrival slots at Tokyo's Haneda airport have been mainly allocated to Japan Airlines Co. and ANA. Skymark also has some slots there.

If Delta takes a stake in Skymark, the U.S. carrier could gain access to the slots at Haneda through Skymark.