UPDATE: All Alaska Airlines flights were grounded Thursday night due to a significant IT outage, creating chaos for travelers across the nation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the ground stop at approximately 7 p.m. ET, initiated at Alaska Airlines’ request.
The airline took to social media platform X, stating, “Alaska Airlines is experiencing an IT outage affecting operations. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you’re scheduled to fly tonight, please check your flight status before heading to the airport.” This warning comes as passengers face uncertainty, with many flights delayed or canceled.
The outage affects not only Alaska Airlines but also its subsidiary, Horizon Air, which mainly serves the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. At this point, Alaska Airlines has not disclosed the cause of the outage, raising concerns among frequent flyers. This incident follows a similar outage in July 2024 and another one after a systems upgrade in April of the same year.
Alaska Airlines, the fifth largest airline in the US, carries approximately 44 million passengers annually to 120 destinations across five countries. The impact of this outage is significant as it disrupts travel plans for thousands during peak holiday season.
Authorities urge travelers to stay updated on their flight status and prepare for potential delays. As the situation develops, more information will be provided, and Alaska Airlines is working diligently to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
This unfolding situation underscores the vulnerabilities in airline operations reliant on technology, leaving many passengers anxious about their travel plans. Stay tuned for further updates as Alaska Airlines aims to restore normal operations.