Alaska Airlines experienced significant disruptions on Sunday night, grounding its flights in Seattle for a brief period due to a technology problem that was resolved by approximately 10 p.m. local time.
The airline reported “significant disruptions” stemming from an unspecified technology issue, affecting operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the main hub for Alaska Airlines. The outage added to the challenges faced by travelers in recent weeks, as the airport has been recovering from a cyberattack that occurred in August.
In a statement, Alaska Airlines expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers. They encouraged travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to consider changing or canceling their flights if their schedules allowed.
This incident follows a tumultuous period for those traveling through Seattle. Last week, it was revealed that hackers had demanded a ransom of $6 million in bitcoin for stolen documents related to a cyberattack on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which began on August 24, just days before the busy Labor Day weekend. The Port of Seattle, which manages the airport, has stated that it will not pay the ransom.
In response to customer complaints about delays and issues with the airline’s app and website, Alaska Airlines took to their account on X to apologize and provide updates. The airline later confirmed that the technology problem had been resolved, but the exact cause of the disruptions remains unclear.
During flight disruptions, travelers can follow best practices to minimize stress and ensure a smoother experience. Regularly check flight status through the airline’s website or app, and sign up for alerts via email or SMS for real-time updates. Also, be aware of alternative flights or routes in case your original flight gets canceled or significantly delayed. Consider nearby airports if applicable.