Colorado Updates:
Disruptions at Denver International Airport due to Severe Thunderstorms and Airline Technology Issue
Severe thunderstorms that hit Denver International Airport (DIA) on Saturday resulted in a ground stop ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at 2:40 p.m., causing significant flight disruptions. A total of 700 flights were either delayed or canceled at DIA by 5:30 p.m., according to flight tracking website FlightAware.
Among the three airlines at DIA, SkyWest had the highest number of canceled flights with 55 cancellations. Southwest Airlines reported the highest number of delayed flights with 219, followed closely by United Airlines with 232 delayed flights.
The technology issue experienced by United Airlines caused them to hold all mainline departures, leading to operational disruptions. United reported delays on 115 flights at DIA and nationally had 827 flights delayed and 23 canceled. The FAA was aware of the problem and provided support to help manage the flight backlog. The ground stop specifically applied to United mainline flights, while United Express regional flights were not affected.
The technology issue also impacted departures to other major hubs like Chicago O’Hare and caused delays throughout the evening. Despite the challenges, DIA managed to keep the majority of flights operating, with more than 600 flights taking off as scheduled.
Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for potential delays. FlightAware will continue to update information about flight delays and cancellations at DIA.
The weather-induced disruptions at Denver International Airport (DIA) didn't only involve severe thunderstorms; the technology issue with United Airlines further complicated matters, causing delays and cancellations of United mainline flights, particularly numerous delays and 115 flight hold-ups at DIA. Politics surrounding airport operations became relevant as the FAA ordered a ground stop to manage the weather-related flight backlog, albeit only affecting United mainline flights.
