News Summary
United Airlines faced significant flight disruptions due to a technology glitch that affected operations at major U.S. airports. The issue began in the early evening, grounding flights and prompting ground stops at various hubs. Fortunately, United confirmed the issue was resolved later in the night, although residual delays continued for many travelers. The Federal Aviation Administration became involved to help manage the situation, as reports indicated a notable percentage of delayed and canceled flights during the disruption.
Flight Disruptions Wrap Up as United Airlines Tackles Tech Trouble
In what seemed like a ripple of chaos across the skies, United Airlines faced a significant technology glitch on Wednesday night that grounded flights from major airports across the United States. The hiccup started at precisely 6:12 p.m. ET and persisted for a few hours, leaving passengers anxious as they waited for updates.
Resolution on the Horizon
Good news is here! United has confirmed that they’ve resolved the underlying issue. However, travelers should hold onto their hats as some residual delays are still expected to persist into the night.
Impact on Flights
By 9:45 p.m. ET, data from FlightAware revealed that around 31% of United’s flights were delayed, with a small percentage of about 1% being canceled. The disruption caught the attention of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which stepped in to help United Airlines manage the growing backlog of flights affected.
Ground Stops Triggered
United Airlines initiated ground stops around 7:30 p.m. ET for major hubs like Chicago, Newark, Denver, Houston, and San Francisco. This measure only added to the mounting frustration among passengers, with many expressing their experiences of extended waits and frustrating communications.
Clarifying the Situation
U.S. transportation officials and United Airlines work closely to ensure flight safety. The airline has stated that this latest technology issue was not connected to the recent wave of cybersecurity concerns impacting other airlines. Insiders indicated that the primary issue stemmed from a disruption in United’s weight calculation system.
Passengers Weigh In
Travelers like Angela Jeffers had firsthand experiences with the delays, finding themselves waiting for hours without clear updates from the flight crew. Meanwhile, Jessica Jeffers faced a particularly uncomfortable situation, stuck on a plane in Denver with insufficient air conditioning while waiting to depart for Newark.
Airborne Flights Unaffected
Passengers already in the air were in luck, as their flights continued to their destinations without incident. Importantly, the disruption didn’t extend to United’s regional airlines, keeping some routes moving smoothly while the mainlines were in a bit of a tailspin.
Highest Rates of Delays
By the end of the chaotic day, United Airlines recorded the highest number of delays among domestic airlines. Acknowledging the tech trouble on social media, they assured travelers that their priority remains safety.
FAQs
What caused the recent flight delays with United Airlines?
The delays were a result of a technology disruption related to United’s weight calculation system, which was resolved within a few hours, although some residual delays continued afterward.
How many flights were affected by the United Airlines outage?
Approximately 31% of United’s flights were delayed and 1% of flights were canceled by 9:45 p.m. ET on the day of the outage.
Did this incident involve cybersecurity issues?
No, United Airlines stated that the technology outage was unrelated to recent cybersecurity issues facing the airline industry.
What actions did the FAA take in response to the incident?
The FAA acknowledged the disruption and worked with United Airlines to help manage the flight backlog, implementing ground stops for affected airports.
Summary Chart of Events
| Event | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Issue Starts | 6:12 p.m. ET | Technology disruption leads to grounding of flights. |
| Ground Stops Initiated | 7:30 p.m. ET | Ground stops requested for major hubs. |
| Resolution Announced | After 9:25 p.m. ET | Technology issue resolved; delays expected to continue. |
| Delays & Cancellations Reported | 9:45 p.m. ET | 31% delayed, 1% canceled flights. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CNBC
- Wikipedia: Flight delays
- Axios
- Google Search: United Airlines Flights
- Fox Business
- Google Scholar: United Airlines Technology Issues
- ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation Technology
- The New York Times
- Google News: United Airlines Outage
- WGN TV
- Google Search: FAA Ground Stop Procedures
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airline Industry
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
