United Airlines has canceled a planned "9/11 memorial tribute" flyover in Denver that was scheduled to occur at the precise moment a hijacked plane struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The tribute was to feature a Boeing 777 flanked by F-16 fighter jets from Buckley Space Force Base.
The Denver Office of Emergency Management had announced the flyover, stating it was intended "to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001." The office had also advised residents that while there was "no emergency," the event would be "highly visible from parts of Denver, noticeable by sound, more noticeable than a typical aircraft overhead, and brief, but surprising if you aren’t aware it’s planned."
The plan quickly drew widespread criticism on social media. Many users expressed disbelief, with some calling the proposed tribute "the most tone-deaf stunt ever," "horribly poor taste," and "totally unnecessary and wasteful."
United Airlines had two flights involved in the 9/11 attacks: Flight 175, which hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center, and Flight 93, which crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers attempted to regain control of the aircraft.
A day after the announcement, the Denver OEM confirmed the cancellation. "United has canceled its planned 9/11 memorial aircraft flyover in Denver following concerns raised by members of the community," the office stated on X. "There will be no aircraft flyover associated with the memorial events on Friday, Sept. 11. We appreciate everyone who shared questions and concerns with us as we worked with United and our public safety partners to keep the community informed."
United Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The planned flyover was scheduled for 9:03 a.m. on Friday, September 11.