United Airlines cancels planned 9/11 flyover in Denve

United Airlines has canceled a planned 9/11 commemorative flyover in Denver that was expected to feature a Boeing 777 accompanied

United Airlines has canceled a planned 9/11 commemorative flyover in Denver that was expected to feature a Boeing 777 accompanied by fighter jets, following concerns from the local community and questions over coordination with authorities and the Air National Guard.

The flyover had been scheduled for Friday as part of United Airlines’ events marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The planned display was intended to honor the victims of the attacks and remember those who lost their lives, particularly members of the aviation community.

The flyover was expected to take place at around 9:03 a.m., the time when hijackers crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York. The aircraft was one of four commercial planes hijacked during the attacks, which claimed thousands of lives in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

The planned formation, involving a United Boeing 777 and fighter jets, was reminiscent of the military response that followed the hijackings on September 11, 2001, when fighter aircraft were scrambled over American airspace.

However, United Airlines decided to cancel the aircraft display after concerns were raised within the Denver community.

United spokesperson Russell Carlton said the airline would continue with other memorial activities planned for its employees. These events are scheduled to take place at the airline’s Flight Training Center and Denver International Airport.

Carlton said the flyover had been intended as a meaningful tribute to members of the airline’s pilot community who lost their lives in the attacks. However, the airline ultimately decided to suspend the plan because of concerns surrounding the event.

Before the cancellation was announced, Denver officials had already begun preparations to avoid public alarm. The city’s Office of Emergency Management was informed about the planned flyover the previous week and started coordinating with emergency dispatchers and first responders.

Denver OEM spokeswoman Loa Esquilin-Garcia said officials were concerned that residents might mistake the aircraft formation for a real emergency involving a hijacked or threatened aircraft. Authorities were particularly worried that people could flood 911 and 311 lines with calls.

Denver Police, Denver Fire and EMS were informed about the planned event last Friday, according to Esquilin-Garcia. The Denver OEM also contacted the City of Aurora and the State of Colorado on Tuesday to ensure that relevant authorities were aware of the plan.

Denver Parks and Recreation employees were also briefed in case people gathered in public and open spaces after seeing the aircraft.

The situation also raised questions about whether city officials had been adequately consulted before the event was planned.

The office of Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said the city had not been asked for its opinion on whether the flyover was appropriate. Mayor’s spokesperson Jon Ewing said Denver officials were informed by United Airlines that the event was going ahead but were not consulted about the decision.

Ewing said the city fully supported efforts to honor the victims of 9/11 and first responders but acknowledged that the planned flyover could have been unexpected or emotionally difficult for members of the public.

Denver had therefore planned to inform residents through newsletters, employee notices, social media and media outreach. Officials had also intended to place a prominent notice on the city’s website.

With the flyover now canceled, United Airlines will proceed with its other planned 9/11 remembrance activities while the city continues to honor the victims and first responders on the 25th anniversary of the attacks.