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New Delhi, India – Chaos erupted at airports across India and the United States this morning as United Airlines abruptly grounded all mainline flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The airline cited a “technology issue” as the reason for the widespread disruption, throwing travel plans into disarray and causing significant delays.

According to an official statement released by United Airlines, the grounding impacts flights departing from all United hubs and major airports. The precise nature of the “technology issue” remains unclear, but the airline confirmed that IT systems are experiencing significant problems.

“We are currently experiencing a system-wide technology issue that is impacting our flight operations,” the statement read. “We are working to resolve this issue as quickly and safely as possible. Customers are urged to check the United Airlines website or app for updates on their flight status.”

Ripple Effect Across Airports

The impact of the grounding is being felt acutely at major airports including Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai, and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, as well as Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Long queues are forming at check-in counters as frustrated passengers seek information and alternative travel arrangements.

Social media is flooded with reports of stranded passengers, cancelled flights, and long wait times for customer service. Many passengers are expressing anger and disappointment at the lack of clear communication and assistance from the airline.

What's Causing the Problem?

While United Airlines has been vague about the specifics of the technology issue, industry experts speculate that it could be related to a software malfunction, a cybersecurity incident, or a hardware failure. The airline has not ruled out any possibilities at this stage.

“These types of system-wide outages are incredibly complex to resolve,” said aviation analyst Rajiv Sharma. “It’s crucial for United to quickly identify the root cause and implement a fix to minimize further disruption. Transparency with passengers is also key to managing the situation effectively.”

Passenger Rights and Compensation

Passengers affected by the flight cancellations are entitled to certain rights and compensation under Indian and US regulations. These may include reimbursement for unused tickets, accommodation, meals, and transportation. United Airlines is advising passengers to check their specific rights based on their ticket type and the reason for the cancellation.

Ongoing Updates

United Airlines has established a dedicated task force to address the technology issue and restore normal flight operations as soon as possible. Passengers are strongly advised to monitor the airline's website and social media channels for the latest updates. The situation remains fluid, and further disruptions are possible.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.