United Airlines restarts operations following a widespread technical glitch that halted flights
United Airlines resumed its operations on Wednesday following a technology disruption that forced the airline to ground all of its mainline flights. The incident, which occurred at Denver International Airport on Aug. 6, 2025, resulted in a series of delays and operational challenges.
The technical glitch affected United Airlines' operations specifically, and was unrelated to the broader air traffic control system. United Airlines' teams were working tirelessly to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, with residual delays expected.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was briefed by United CEO Scott Kirby regarding the technical issue, and the airline apologised for the disruption caused. United Airlines' mainline flights are typically operated using Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, and 787 jets, as well as Airbus A319 and A320 models.
The technical issue resulted in worldwide passenger disruptions, with some planes sitting on the tarmac for twice as long as the waiting passengers. A passenger in Denver reported being stuck on a United Airlines plane on the tarmac for nearly two hours due to the technical glitch.
None of the gates were available for passengers to deboard their planes, and there was no update on when those on board could disembark. The incident contributed significantly to the operational challenges United faced at Newark earlier in the year, costing the airline $218 million in Q2.
United Airlines responded to a concerned traveler on social media, acknowledging the system error and expressing gratitude for the passenger's patience. As of the last reported data, the stock price of United Airlines Holdings Inc. (UAL) was $87.98, with a decrease of $0.89 (-1.00%).
Former air traffic controller Michael Pearson expressed concerns about air travel safety following outages at Newark airport, highlighting the risks posed by technology failures that disrupt flight operations and create delays. The incident was reported by Fox News Senior Correspondent Aishah Hasnie, with Fox News Digital's Bradford Betz contributing to the report.
- The technical glitch that affected United Airlines' operations, causing widespread passenger disruptions, also impacted the airline's economy, as it cost United Airlines $218 million in Q2.
- In response to the technology-related incident, United Airlines operates planes mainly with Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, and 787 jets, as well as Airbus A319 and A320 models, suggesting the airline's focus on integrating technology for optimized operations.
