United Scraps 9/11 Flyover Over Public Concerns

Denver residents won't be looking up to see a dramatic 9/11 tribute after all. United Airlines has scrapped plans for a Boeing 777 to sweep over the city escorted by four F-16s, saying Wednesday it was pulling the plug "due to concerns in the community." As KUSA reports, the display would've been "reminiscent of scenes on Sept. 11, 2001 when fighter jets were scrambled to intercept hijacked planes." The jets were scheduled to fly over United's Flight Training Center in Denver at 9:03am, the exact time United Flight 175 struck the World Trade Center's south tower on 9/11.

City officials say they were "informed ... not asked" about the flyover, which was meant as a private United memorial honoring the pilots lost on 9/11, per KUSA. The city had only just begun warning residents about the noisy display, fearing people caught unawares would think there was a real emergency and call 911, when United canned the plan. Instead, United will hold lower-key remembrances, including a moment of silence with other airline and airport employees at Denver International Airport at 9:03am, per the Denver Post. The memorial service itself will be closed to the public.