Full Breakdown
United Cancels Planned 9/11 Flyover Over Denver
9/10/2026, 8:22:09 AM
Planned Flyover Cancelled Amid Community Concerns
United Airlines announced that it will not proceed with a scheduled flyover of a United Boeing 777 escorted by F-16 fighters from the 120th Fighter Squadron of Buckley Space Force Base. The event, intended to honor the victims of the 2001 attacks, was to begin at 8:15 a.m. with the aircraft departing Denver International Airport and passing over the airline’s flight-training center in the Central Park neighborhood.
Background & Context
The flyover was part of United’s 25th-anniversary commemoration of the 2001 attacks, a private ceremony not open to the public. In addition to the aerial tribute, United, American Airlines, and other airport employees will observe a moment of silence at 9:03 a.m., the time United Flight 175 struck the World Trade Center’s south tower. A monument constructed from steel recovered from the World Trade Center will be unveiled at the Denver flight-training center to honor the crews of Flight 175 and Flight 93.
Official Statements & Responses
Jon Ewing, spokesperson for Mayor Mike Johnston’s office, explained that the city understood the gesture as an honor to victims, first responders, pilots, and the aviation community, while also recognizing potential public surprise. United did not elaborate on the specific community concerns and declined to comment further. The Colorado National Guard did not respond to inquiries about the 120th Fighter Squadron’s involvement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We understood it as a means of honoring the victims of 9/11, first responders, pilots and the aviation community, but we also understood there could be significant concerns or surprise from the public,” — Jon Ewing, spokesperson for Mayor Mike Johnston’s office
Data & Statistics
- Planned start time: 8:15 a.m.
- Aircraft: United Boeing 777
- Military participants: F-16s from the 120th Fighter Squadron
- Moment-of-silence time: 9:03 a.m. (coinciding with the Flight 175 impact)
- Monument material: steel salvaged from the World Trade Center.
