On September 5, United Airlines announced that they had issued a nationwide ground stop due to computer problems. The problem was also confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the same day. United clarified that the issue was that communication with dispatch was down.
🚨#BREAKING: United Airlines has issued a nationwide ground stop ⁰⁰📌#Unitedstates | #USA
Earlier this afternoon a nationwide ground stop has been issued by the FAA for all United Airlines flights due to a systemwide technology issue. The airline has informed the FAA that… pic.twitter.com/4o7YOF5iGV
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) September 5, 2023
They said that all airplanes would be held at their departure airports until the issue was resolved. Additionally, they add that those planes already in the air are continuing on their routes as planned.
.@united asked the FAA to pause the airline’s departures nationwide. For more information, contact United regarding its request and monitor https://t.co/smgdqJN3td for updates.
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) September 5, 2023
The airline released an apology for the inconvenience caused by this unexpected incident. They asked customers to remain patient until they can complete repairs and get everyone back on their journeys as soon as possible. In response, UAL stocks tumbled over 4%, down to 3-month lows, according to Zero Hedge’s report.
We are experiencing a systemwide technology issue and are holding all aircraft at their departure airports. Flights that are already airborne are continuing to their destination as planned. We will share more information as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience as we…
— United Airlines (@united) September 5, 2023
Thankfully, the stop was lifted after about an hour and many airline passengers did not experience any negative effects as a result.
About 7 flights were forced to be cancelled because of the unexpected computer issue, a figure well below that of its average of 16 per day during the Labor Day weekend as reported by tracking service FlightAware.
It’s said that over 350 United flights were delayed by the computer issue, which makes up about 13% of the company’s schedule.