United Airlines (UAL) -) has has announced that a nationwide ground stop for all its flights has been lifted. The announcement came shortly after it had told the Federal Aviation Authority to halt its flights, which the FAA did around 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Sept. 5.
United issued a statement on social media to address the delay at around 1:38 pm Eastern Time.
“We are experiencing a systemwide technology issue and are holding all aircraft at their departure airports,” United’s statement read.
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It also said that all airborne flights will continue to their destinations, but failed to give any specific information to the cause of the delay.
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
However, at 1:50 p.m. Eastern Time, United's official X account replied to a user saying its "ground stop" has been lifted.
The ground stop is now lifted. ^VK
— United Airlines (@united) September 5, 2023
US Secretary for Transportation Pete Buttigieg also tweeted out shortly after the announcement addressing the delay.
“Am aware of the nationwide ground stop at United Airlines due to IT issues,” Buttigieg’s tweet read.
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The delays come just a day after the Labor Day Weekend that did not produce too much negative buzz around many of the major airlines. But it also comes just months after Southwest Airlines experienced its own software issues that also caused a nationwide grounding of its plans.
Am aware of the nationwide ground stop at United Airlines due to IT issues. FAA is currently receiving more information about the cause and scope of the issue, and DOT will make sure UA meets its obligations to affected passengers.
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) September 5, 2023
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