Flights halted and travellers stranded: Here’s why chaos hit United Airlines

United States: United Airlines had issued a ground stop for all its mainline flights across the country following a major technology outage on Thursday, causing widespread delays and disruptions at several major airports.

In a statement released by the airline, United confirmed the system-wide technical issue, saying, “Due to a technology issue, we are holding United mainline flights at their departure airports. We expect additional flight delays this evening as we work through this issue. Safety is our top priority, and we'll work with our customers to get them to their destinations.”

The ground stop is limited to mainline United flights, those operated directly by the airline, and does not affect United Express regional services. Flights already airborne are continuing to their destinations.

Major airports affected

Airports in Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Newark (EWR), Houston (IAH) and San Francisco (SFO) are among the hardest hit, with numerous passengers stranded on the tarmac or facing extended delays.

Frustration mounts among passengers

Passengers took to the social media platform X to share their experiences. A traveller, waiting at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, wrote, “I'm at the Houston airport, my plane was supposed to take off 5 hours ago, and no other United Airlines planes are leaving the tarmac. This is crazy.”

Another frustrated flyer posted, “System-wide outage, all United Airlines planes grounded. Sitting on the plane…they have given us the option to get off with no ETA.”

Travellers booked on United flights are advised to check their flight status.