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Travelers across the United States faced widespread disruption on Wednesday as United Airlines experienced a significant technology issue, leading to the grounding of planes and the delay of over 1,000 flights. The incident, which began in the morning, caused significant backups at major airports including Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Denver International (DEN), and Newark Liberty (EWR).

What Happened? The airline confirmed a system-wide technology problem as the root cause of the delays. While the exact nature of the issue remains under investigation, United stated that it impacted various operational systems, including flight dispatch and crew scheduling. This lack of reliable data made it unsafe to operate flights as normal.

The Scale of the Disruption: The impact was substantial. More than 1,000 United Airlines flights were delayed, and a considerable number were cancelled outright. Passengers reported long lines at airports, frustrated waits for information, and a general sense of uncertainty regarding their travel plans. Social media was flooded with images and videos of crowded terminals and stranded travelers.

“We are working to resolve a system issue that has affected flight dispatch and crew scheduling,” United Airlines said in a statement. “We are proactively delaying affected flights and working to minimise disruption to our customers. Safety is our top priority.”

Passenger Impact & Compensation: The delays and cancellations have left thousands of passengers stranded or facing significant travel disruptions. United Airlines is offering affected passengers accommodation and meals where necessary. They are also advising customers to check the United app or website for the latest flight status updates. The airline is likely to face scrutiny regarding compensation for passengers impacted by the incident.

How Long Will It Last? As of late Wednesday, United Airlines continued to work to rectify the technology issue. While some flights began to resume, the backlog of delayed and cancelled flights meant that the disruption was expected to continue into Thursday. The airline has not yet provided a definitive timeline for a full return to normal operations.

Expert Analysis: Aviation experts suggest that such widespread technology failures can be incredibly complex to resolve, often involving multiple interconnected systems. The incident highlights the increasing reliance of airlines on technology and the potential vulnerabilities that come with it. Robust backup systems and contingency plans are crucial to mitigating the impact of future technology disruptions.

Stay Informed: Passengers with upcoming United Airlines flights are strongly advised to check the airline's website or app for the latest updates and to allow for extra time at the airport. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.