FAA Issues Nationwide Ground Stop for United Airlines Flights

Update 1:50 p.m. EST: 
According to the latest from the FAA, the ground stop has been canceled, though flights could still be impacted throughout the day. Travelers should check with United on their specific flight before heading to the airport. 

“We have identified a fix for the technology issue and flights have resumed. We’re working with impacted customers to help them reach their destinations as soon as possible,” United said in an update. 

Original

A ground stop has been issued for all of United Airlines’ U.S. operations due to an equipment outage.

According to an advisory from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), United requested the FAA issue a ground stop due to an “equipment outage” just after 12 p.m. EST on Tuesday afternoon. According to the FAA, all flights were still stopped as of 1:40 p.m. EST. 

Flight tracking website FlightAware is showing United planes still in the air continuing to their destination, however, the FAA’s ATC advisory reports that United planes are currently “unable to contact their dispatch through normal means.” Still, flights underway at the time of the ground stop are expected to be completed without issue. 

In a statement posted to social media, United acknowledged the issue and said it would update flyers when more information is available. 

“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 work on a resolution to get you on your way as soon as possible,” it said. 

This page is being updated as more information unfolds.