Late Sunday night, Alaska Airlines and its regional partner Horizon Air faced a significant setback as a computer outage grounded all flights. While operations began to resume on Monday, passengers were advised to expect lingering delays throughout the day.
The airline issued a system-wide ground stop around 11 p.m. ET on Sunday, which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed remained in effect until approximately 2 a.m. ET Monday. Despite the lifting of this order, disruptions continued, impacting flights nationwide.
“We are currently experiencing an IT outage that’s impacting our operations,” Alaska Airlines communicated on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after midnight Monday. The airline had requested the ground stop while it worked to resolve the issue.
According to the FAA’s update, the ground stop affected all Alaska Airlines aircraft. Although the specific cause of the outage was not disclosed, the airline urged passengers to verify flight statuses before heading to the airport, cautioning that the effects of the outage could persist as it repositioned its aircraft and crews.
Once operations resumed, Alaska Airlines posted an apology on X, encouraging travelers to check flight statuses: “Alaska Airlines has resolved its earlier IT outage and has resumed operations. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”
Social media was abuzz with complaints about long delays, particularly at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where some travelers reported multiple gate changes. CNN reported passengers stuck on planes for extended periods, highlighting the strain on travel plans.
Currently, Alaska Airlines operates a fleet of 238 Boeing aircraft, 87 Embraer planes, and 45 additional planes through Horizon Air. The Seattle-based airline is the fifth-largest in the U.S., serving over 44 million passengers annually.
This incident bears a striking resemblance to a massive IT failure caused by a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike last July, which disrupted operations across various sectors globally, including airports and hospitals. However, it’s unclear whether Alaska’s recent outage is connected to broader software issues, especially given that it occurred almost exactly one year later.
As travelers continue to express their concerns on social media, many are left curious: Does this outage hint at a larger systemic issue? Only time will tell.
What happens if my Alaska Airlines flight is delayed or canceled? If your flight is faced with delays or cancellations, it’s crucial to check Alaska Airlines’ website or app for real-time updates. The airline typically offers options for rebooking or refunds based on the situation.
How can I check the status of my Alaska Airlines flight? You can check your flight status on the Alaska Airlines website or app by entering your flight number or route and date.
What should I do if my luggage is lost during travel? If your luggage goes missing, report it immediately to Alaska Airlines’ baggage services at the airport. They will assist you with the next steps and help locate your luggage.
Are there any compensation policies for delayed flights? Yes, Alaska Airlines has established compensation policies for certain flight delays, especially those classified as significantly delayed. It’s best to review their terms or contact customer service for specific cases.
In conclusion, while the recent outage posed challenges for many travelers, Alaska Airlines has taken steps to remedy the situation. For those planning future trips, continue to explore insights and information about travel at Moyens I/O.