United Airlines cancels 9/11 anniversary flyover after backlash

United Airlines had planned a commemorative flyover for the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. A Boeing 777 would have flown at low altitude over Denver accompanied by four F-16 fighter jets. The event was scheduled as part of an internal memorial for employees. Its timing mirrored events of September 11, 2001. The 777 was to depart Denver at 8:15 a.m. local time, the moment United Flight 175 left Boston, and pass over the training center at 9:03 a.m., the exact time the hijacked flight struck the South Tower.

The plan drew criticism. The city of Denver had already issued a public warning about the unusual formation to prevent people from mistaking it for an emergency and overwhelming emergency lines. United subsequently cancelled the flyover.