United SFO flight delayed for 17+ hours, FAA increases oversight
(KRON) — A United Airlines flight departing from San Francisco International Airport to Aspen, Colorado, was delayed for over 17 hours, according to the airline’s website.
The United flight was initially scheduled to depart SFO to Aspen on Friday, March 23 at 4 p.m. The flight was then delayed for 15 hours due to unknown issues. After the initial 15-hour delay, the flight was then delayed for another two hours.
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The delay was caused by a potential issue with the plane’s anti-skid system (brakes), according to SkyWest Airlines, which operated the United flight. SkyWest released a statement on Sunday (see below).
SkyWest flight 5496, operating as United Express from San Francisco to Aspen, was delayed overnight on Friday, March 22 due to an indication that there could be an issue with the anti-skid system. Once it was determined the system was functioning normally, the flight safely operated to Aspen. Upon arrival in Aspen, the flight had to await a gate for deplaning due to ramp congestion. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.
Skywest Airlines
Due to recent safety events, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is increasing oversight of United Airlines to ensure that it is complying with safety regulations.
The number of safety-related events in recent weeks have rightfully caused us to pause and evaluate whether there is anything we can and should do differently. After all, safety is foundational to the success of our airline and we can never take it for granted.
Sasha Johnson, Vice President of Corporate Safety at United Airlines
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