A major shock hit U.S. air travel today as United Airlines grounded every single flight across the country.
What started as minor delays quickly escalated into a nationwide shutdown after the airline’s internal “weight and balance” system reportedly failed.
Without this critical system, planes can’t safely take off — and so, just like that, hundreds of aircraft were frozen on the ground.
Thousands of passengers found themselves stranded with no answers. Airports flooded with confusion and frustration. Phones rang endlessly with no clear response from the airline.
And then came the silence.
United has yet to issue a full explanation, triggering speculation and fear across social media. Some fear a cyberattack. Others worry it’s another sign of deeper issues in America’s infrastructure.
Is this what travel looks like now?
As one traveler put it: “If United can’t keep the planes moving, who’s next?”
Stay tuned. We’re updating this story as it develops.