Ground Stop Affecting Only United Airlines Impacts Over 400 Flights At Newark Liberty International Airport

United Airlines’ operations at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) have resumed after a ground stop impacted nearly its entire operation on Saturday evening. While the order was weather-related, it only impacted United’s flights and not other airlines at the airport.

Despite the ground stop being lifted, several flight complications have spilled into Sunday. The carrier is allowing travelers, many of which were upset, to rebook their flights through the middle of this week, giving them “more flexibility.”

Inside the numbers

According to FlightAware, EWR experienced a total of 429 delays and 128 cancelations. United’s mainline operation notably accounted for the bulk of the complications. Regional flights operated by Republic Airways and GoJet Airlines under the United Express brand also had numerous delays and cancelations.

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

United recorded a total of 230 delays on Saturday, which was more than 40% of its operation at EWR. 48 flights were canceled, accounting for nine percent of all flights. Republic, which also operates flights for the regional brands of American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, had 45 cancellations – 25% of its operation, while 48 flights were delayed, which was about 27% of all flights. GoJet had 19 delays and 21 cancellations, representing 22% and 24% of its operation, respectively.

“A United-only ground stop”

One passenger complained to United on X, posting a picture of EWR’s status from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The status had indicated that the airport was experiencing a ground “due to other,” but affected “UAL: Mainline + subs only.”

The New York metro area was slammed with severe weather on Sunday as a heat-driven storm system brought heavy rain, winds, and a threat of flash floods throughout the Northeast. Thunderstorms rolled across the region amid a dangerous wave of excessive heat during the day.

Read More

United Airlines Takes Delivery Of 1st Boeing 737 MAX 8 In 2 Months Following FAA Audit

The aircraft is reportedly undergoing induction near the carrier’s hub in Chicago.

In a statement to Simple Flying early Monday, a United spokesperson confirmed that the ground stop was issued for solely carrier’s flights and not other airlines.

“Thunderstorms and severe weather impacted operations throughout the evening at EWR, with a United-only ground stop being issued to manage volume and limit congestion at the terminal. To give our customers more flexibility, we’ve issued a travel waiver allowing them to rebook through June 26. We encourage customers to visit united.com or use our mobile app to check their flight status and view the latest information.”

Another passenger expressed their frustration after an alternative flight to nearby LaGuardia Airport (LGA) was also delayed.

Sunday delays

Although United’s flights are departing and arriving again, the ground stop seemed to have prompted a ripple effect into Sunday. At around 11:00, the carrier already had 61 delays and 26 cancelations at EWR. United is the largest airline at the airport, with around 440 daily flights.

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

Newark reached a high temperature of 93°F on Saturday, while other communities had record highs of 100 degrees or above. More heat throughout New England is in the forecast for Sunday, while severe weather is expected to impact regions north of the New York City area.

More United Airlines News

United Airlines Schedules Boeing 737 MAX 8s & 757-200s On Washington DC-Chicago Route During Democratic National Convention

The aircraft types will collectively handle more than 170 flights between the nation’s capital and the Windy City.