Alaska Airlines temporarily grounded all flights Friday evening due to a major technology outage that disrupted key operational systems. The airline requested a nationwide ground stop while teams worked to identify and resolve the issue. Flights began to resume later that night, but delays and cancellations continued as schedules recovered.
The outage began around 8 p.m. Pacific, according to the airline. Alaska said the disruption stemmed from a hardware failure at one of its data centers, which supports systems used to safely launch and manage flights. The company emphasized there was no indication of a cyberattack. Safety remained the priority, and grounding flights allowed crews to avoid compounding operational risk while systems were restored.
What Happened
As critical systems went offline, Alaska Airlines initiated a pause on departures across its network. Horizon Air, its regional partner, was also affected. The airline coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration to implement the ground stop. While the fix moved forward, customers at major airports, especially at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), faced long lines and rebooking hassles.
By late evening, the airline began a phased return to service. Even with flights taking off again, lingering disruptions were expected into the next day as aircraft and crew returned to normal positions. Passengers were encouraged to monitor the Alaska Airlines app and flight status pages for real-time updates.
Cause: Hardware Failure, Not a Cyberattack
Alaska Airlines said a hardware component at a data center failed and triggered the outage. Although many airline systems are built with redundancy, certain failures can ripple across scheduling, dispatch, crew management, weight-and-balance tools, and maintenance tracking. Without full confidence in these systems, airlines may halt departures to maintain safety and compliance.
While cyber incidents can cause similar disruptions, Alaska specified that this event had no signs of a cybersecurity breach. Technical teams isolated the impacted systems, replaced the failing components, and ran checks before allowing flights to depart.
Impact on Travelers
The ground stop lasted several hours, leading to cancellations, missed connections, and late-night crowds at help desks. SEA, Alaska’s largest hub, saw some of the longest lines as travelers sought rebooking options. Other airports across the West Coast and beyond reported similar scenes, though impacts varied by time zone and schedule.
Travelers with flexible itineraries were urged to consider changing to later flights or different days. Those with time-sensitive plans were advised to contact customer support through the app, SMS, or airport agents. As flights resumed, crews and aircraft needed time to get back into place, which can take a full day after a major pause.
What To Do If Your Flight Is Affected
- Check flight status in the Alaska Airlines app or website before leaving for the airport.
- Enable app notifications for gate changes, rebooking options, and vouchers.
- If you’re at the airport, get in line and also try the app or phone support at the same time.
- Know your rights: Ask about meal vouchers, hotel options, and reaccommodation on later flights.
- If you have a connection, ask agents for protected connections or alternative routing.
Why Ground Stops Happen During IT Outages
Airlines rely on integrated systems to plan fuel loads, verify maintenance, assign crews, and release flights. A failure in one piece can cause cascading errors elsewhere. Grounding flights keeps crews and passengers safe while preventing aircraft from departing without complete, verified data. It also gives operations time to rebuild schedules in a controlled way.
Alaska’s Recovery Plan
Once core systems stabilized, Alaska executed a phased restart. That included prioritizing long-haul flights with fewer daily options, repositioning aircraft to high-demand routes, and calling in reserve crews where available. The airline signaled that while most flights would resume, a cleanup period of delays and cancellations could extend into the next day.
Passengers were reminded to keep boarding passes handy, re-check gate information often, and build in extra time for security and boarding while operations reset. If your checked luggage missed a connection, the baggage team typically arranges delivery when it arrives.
Key Facts At a Glance
- Outage start: About 8 p.m. Pacific.
- Scope: Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air ground stop across the network.
- Cause: Hardware failure at a data center; no cyberattack suspected.
- Status: Flights resumed later that night; recovery delays continued into the next day.
- Airports affected: Nationwide, with major impacts at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Traveler Tips for Next Time
- Book earlier flights; morning departures are easier to rebook and less delay-prone.
- Carry-on essentials: medication, chargers, snacks, and a change of clothes.
- Use airline apps for auto-rebooking, seat selection, and vouchers.
- Keep receipts for meals or hotels in case the airline offers reimbursement.
How to Stay Updated
For official status, check the Alaska Airlines app or flight status page. The FAA’s air traffic status page and airport socials can offer broader context. Local outlets at SEA also post frequent updates when disruptions affect the region.
Sources: Statements and updates from Alaska Airlines and the FAA; corroborating local reporting. This article is an original summary for readers and does not reproduce copyrighted text.
FAQs
Is my flight still delayed?
Delays can linger after a restart. Check the app and sign up for alerts.
Will Alaska cover hotels or meals?
Ask an agent or check the app for vouchers. Policies vary by cause and location.
Was this a cyberattack?
No. The airline said the outage was caused by hardware failure.
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