United Airlines has canceled a planned September 11 memorial flyover over Denver following concerns raised by members of the community. The tribute was set to feature a United Boeing 777 escorted by four Colorado Air National Guard F-16s.
The formation was expected to be visible and loud across Denver at around 9:03 a.m., the approximate time United Flight 175 struck the South Tower during the September 11, 2001 attacks. Denver officials had previously notified residents that the aircraft activity was a planned memorial and not an emergency.
The proposed flyover drew criticism from some residents, who felt that seeing a commercial passenger aircraft accompanied by fighter jets on the anniversary could be disturbing or alarming. United subsequently canceled the tribute, saying it was doing so due to “concerns in the community.”
Other United memorial events will continue. At the airline’s Denver Flight Training Center, a 9-foot-11-inch monument made from World Trade Center steel will be unveiled to honor the crews of United Flights 175 and 93. Moments of silence are also planned at Denver International Airport.