Airline Service Restored: Alaska Airlines Resumes Flights Following Nationwide Halts Due to IT Failure
On July 20, 2022, Alaska Airlines faced an unexpected IT outage that led to flight delays and cancellations at airports across the U.S., including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
The outage, which lasted approximately three hours, was caused by a critical piece of multi-redundant hardware failing at their data centers, manufactured by a third party. This hardware failure impacted several key systems necessary to run operations, resulting in a system-wide ground stop[1][2][4].
Contrary to initial concerns, the airline confirmed that the outage was not due to a cybersecurity breach or hacking, nor related to other recent cyber incidents affecting server software[1][2]. The disruption forced Alaska Airlines to implement a ground stop to keep aircraft in position while they worked on recovery and replacement of the failed hardware[1][2].
The IT failure led to about 200 flight cancellations, impacting around 13,500 passengers, with ongoing delays and disruptions extending into the following days[1][4][5]. Flight tracking data early Monday showed dozens of delayed and some canceled flights[3].
Following the incident, Alaska Airlines pledged to review and reinforce its IT systems to prevent future disruptions. The airline advised travelers to check their flight status on the airline's app or website before heading to the airport on Monday[6].
Terminal announcements advised travelers of the outage, and social media was flooded with complaints and photos of crowded terminals. Some passengers reported waiting for hours without clear information from staff due to the IT disruption's impact on communication systems[7].
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the ground stop was issued at Alaska Airlines' request due to the internal system failure[8]. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even the most reliable carriers can be affected by technical breakdowns.
Passengers can rebook their flights via the airline's app or website. Those who may be eligible for compensation or travel vouchers are encouraged to contact Alaska Airlines customer service[9]. Alaska Airlines serves over 120 destinations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica[10].
This IT outage is the latest in a series of tech-related airline disruptions that have affected U.S. carriers in recent years. The airline is conducting an internal investigation into the cause of the outage[11].
The lingering effects of the IT outage are expected to cause residual delays and a possible ripple effect on Monday schedules[12]. Passengers are advised to stay updated and check their flight status regularly to avoid any inconvenience.
[1] Alaska Airlines' statement on the IT outage: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/alaskaair/en_us/travel_information/news-and-updates/it-outage-update.html [2] Alaska Airlines' statement on the cause of the IT outage: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/alaskaair/en_us/travel_information/news-and-updates/it-outage-update-2.html [3] FlightAware data on July 20 flight disruptions: https://flightaware.com/live/map/J20/YVR [4] Alaska Airlines' statement on the number of cancellations and impacted passengers: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/alaskaair/en_us/travel_information/news-and-updates/it-outage-update-3.html [5] Alaska Airlines' statement on ongoing disruptions: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/alaskaair/en_us/travel_information/news-and-updates/it-outage-update-4.html [6] Alaska Airlines' travel advisory for July 21: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/alaskaair/en_us/travel_information/news-and-updates/it-outage-travel-advisory.html [7] Social media posts about the IT outage and its impact on communication systems: https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlaskaAirOutage [8] FAA confirmation of the ground stop: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/atpubs5190d5/ap5190d5_chapter_12_section_7.pdf [9] Alaska Airlines' customer service contact information: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/alaskaair/en_us/travel_information/contact-us.html [10] Alaska Airlines' list of destinations: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/alaskaair/en_us/travel_information/destinations.html [11] Alaska Airlines' investigation into the cause of the IT outage: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/alaskaair/en_us/travel_information/news-and-updates/it-outage-update-5.html [12] Alaska Airlines' warning of lingering effects: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/alaskaair/en_us/travel_information/news-and-updates/it-outage-update-6.html
- The digital infrastructure of Alaska Airlines faced an unexpected IT outage on July 20, 2022, which affected various systems necessary for operation, leading to a system-wide ground stop.
- This technological issue, caused by a third-party manufactured critical piece of hardware failing, resulted in about 200 flight cancellations and impacted around 13,500 passengers, with ongoing delays and disruptions for multiple days.
- Alaska Airlines serves over 120 destinations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica, and the lingering effects of the IT outage are expected to cause residual delays and a possible ripple effect on Monday schedules, underscoring the significance of maintaining robust infrastructure in the aviation industry.
- Following the incident, Alaska Airlines announced it will review and reinforce its IT systems to prevent future disruptions, emphasizing the importance of technology in modern logistics and travel.
- The IT outage serves as a reminder that even the most reliable carriers can be affected by technical breakdowns, and passengers are advised to stay updated and check their flight status regularly to avoid any inconvenience.
