In response to a series of safety incidents, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reportedly considering measures to curtail growth at United Airlines. Bloomberg News reported on Saturday that the FAA has engaged in discussions with the airline's leadership regarding potential temporary actions to be taken.

According to Bloomberg's sources, the FAA is contemplating preventing United Airlines from adding new routes as part of its efforts to address the safety concerns that have arisen in recent months. Additionally, there is a possibility that the airline may be barred from flying paying customers on newly delivered aircraft.

In a statement released on Saturday, the FAA highlighted its commitment to regularly monitor all aspects of an airline's operation through its safety assurance system, emphasizing the importance of ensuring passenger safety.

The increased scrutiny on United Airlines by U.S. safety regulators comes on the heels of several safety incidents. Last month, an external panel was found to be missing from a United aircraft upon landing in Oregon, prompting an investigation by the FAA. Prior to that, a Boeing 737 MAX in the airline's fleet rolled onto the grass in Houston. Another incident involved a United-operated Boeing 777-200, bound for Japan, which lost a tire after takeoff from San Francisco and was subsequently diverted to Los Angeles, where it landed safely.

Addressing these concerns directly, United Airlines' corporate safety vice president, Sasha Johnson, issued a memo stating that employees can expect to see an increased presence of the FAA in the coming weeks. The FAA will be reviewing the airline's work processes, manuals, and facilities to identify areas for improvement and ensure stringent safety standards are upheld.

As the FAA contemplates possible actions and United Airlines endeavors to strengthen its safety protocols, the focus remains on ensuring the security and wellbeing of passengers. Both entities will continue to collaborate to address and rectify any issues to maintain a safe and reliable air travel experience aboard United Airlines planes.