System-Wide Ground Stop Affects Hundreds of Flights
A nationwide ground stop affecting all Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air flights was instituted Sunday evening after a major IT outage crippled the airline’s operations. The disruption began around 8 p.m. Pacific Time, with all destinations served by the Seattle-based airline impacted by the system failure.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the carrier requested the emergency halt, leaving hundreds of flights delayed or canceled, and thousands of passengers stranded at airports across the United States. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the airline’s main hub, experienced some of the worst delays and traveler congestion.
Airline Response: Restoration Efforts Underway
Alaska Airlines addressed the situation in a public statement, citing an “IT outage impacting our operations” and explaining the need for the temporary, system-wide ground stop for both Alaska and Horizon Air flights. Passengers were urged to brace for continued travel disruptions through the night, with warnings of “residual impacts” even as the airline worked to bring systems back online.
The airline did not specify the exact cause of the technical issue but confirmed that internal technical teams were working “urgently” to restore normal operations. “We apologize for the inconvenience and are working to resolve the issues,” read a statement displayed on the airline’s website.
Gradual Recovery, No Timeline for Full Restoration
By late Sunday, some Alaska Airlines operations had begun to resume, but neither the company nor the FAA provided an estimate of when the disruption would be fully resolved. The carrier’s advice to passengers: monitor flight status closely before heading to the airport, as many flights were subject to delay or cancellation.
Passenger Impact: Long Waits and Uncertainty
Travelers reported long lines at check-in counters, frustration over unresponsive mobile apps, and widespread confusion at departure gates. On social media, passengers described missed connections and difficulties rebooking. While only a handful of flights out of Portland International Airport were delayed by 9:15 p.m. Sunday, other major West Coast airports faced greater disruptions.
There has been no official word on whether Alaska Airlines will provide compensation or rebooking assistance to affected travelers.
Industry Context: Largest Disruption in Recent Years
This incident marks Alaska Airlines’ most widespread operations disruption in recent memory. The last disruption of similar magnitude occurred in 2022, when a separate technical issue triggered delays throughout the carrier’s network. Alaska Airlines, a major player in the U.S. West Coast region, operates both domestic and international routes.
Passengers and industry observers are watching closely as the airline works through system recovery and seeks to restore passenger trust.
