Alaska Airlines has suspended all flights, alongside its regional subsidiary Horizon Air, due to a significant IT outage impacting operations. The ground stop commenced at approximately 20:00 PT (23:00 ET) on March 10, 2024, as the airline addressed the issue affecting both its mainline and regional operations.
In a statement issued to the media, Alaska Airlines confirmed the temporary measure, stating, “We requested a temporary, system-wide ground stop for Alaska and Horizon Air flights until the issue is resolved.” This halt in operations is primarily affecting the Pacific Northwest and Alaska regions, where Horizon Air predominantly operates.
The airline communicated via its official social media account on X, indicating that the IT outage is “affecting operations” and that passengers should anticipate a range of delays throughout the evening. Although the specific cause of the outage has not been disclosed, Alaska Airlines has advised travelers to verify their flight status before arriving at the airport.
“We apologize to our guests for this inconvenience. There will be residual impacts to our operation throughout the evening,” the airline stated in its message.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a request to ground all mainline flights for Alaska Airlines was submitted at approximately 22:52 ET. This unprecedented situation has raised concerns among travelers and industry observers alike, as delays may ripple through the airline’s schedule in the coming hours.
As of now, Alaska Airlines has not provided a timeline for the resolution of the IT issues. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through the airline’s website and customer service lines for updates regarding their flights.
This situation continues to develop, and further information will be released as it becomes available.