United Airlines Ground Stop Lifted, But Flight Delays Persist After Nationwide Tech Glitch

NEW YORK — United Airlines has lifted a ground stop that caused a nationwide disruption, but the airline is warning passengers to brace for lingering delays and cancellations. The unprecedented stoppage, which took effect Wednesday evening, led to more than 1,000 flight delays and significant travel chaos for passengers across the country.

The airline confirmed that the issue was a technical glitch specific to its internal operations and was not the result of a cyberattack or a problem with the broader Air Traffic Control system. As of Thursday morning, operations at major hubs like Newark and Chicago appear to be returning to normal, but the ripple effects of the outage are still being felt.

A Timeline of the Disruption

The technical issue began to surface on Wednesday, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue a series of ground stops at United’s major hubs. The airline requested that flights be halted at key airports, including:

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

The ground stop was eventually lifted, but by then, a cascading effect had already taken hold. Flight-tracking websites showed a surge in delays and cancellations as the airline worked to reset its systems and get flights back on schedule. The airline’s public statements confirmed that while flights already in the air were permitted to continue to their destinations, those on the ground were held, creating long lines and frustrated travelers.

The Cause of the Glitch

While United has not released specific details about the root cause of the problem, a statement from a company spokesperson described it simply as a “technical issue.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the problem was isolated to United’s systems and was not connected to any external factors. This clarification was crucial in reassuring the public that the broader national airspace system was not compromised.

The incident is the latest in a series of high-profile technical failures to impact major airlines, highlighting the critical importance of modern and resilient IT infrastructure in the aviation industry.

Passenger Experiences and Recovery Efforts

The ground stop left thousands of passengers stranded, with many taking to social media to document the chaotic scenes at airports. Photos and videos showed long lines stretching through terminals as travelers waited for updated flight information. The airline has stated that it is working to rebook passengers and has encouraged them to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

In the aftermath, United is focused on recovery. The airline is actively working to get crews and aircraft repositioned to where they need to be to minimize further disruptions. While the skies are now open, it may take several days for the airline’s schedule to fully normalize. Passengers are advised to stay informed through the United Airlines app and website for the most current information.