The Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport has confirmed {that a} cyberattack is probably going behind the continued IT programs outage that disrupted reservation check-in programs and delayed flights over the weekend.
SEA-TAC is Seattle’s major worldwide airport and the busiest within the Pacific Northwest area. In 2023, it served virtually 51 million passengers. The airport is a significant hub for Alaska Airways and Delta Air Line, servings 91 home and 28 worldwide locations.
On Saturday, August 24, the Port of Seattle warned that it and the SEA Airport had been struggling an ongoing outage attributable to a “doable cyberattack,” forcing them to isolate sure crucial programs to comprise the harm.
“The Port of Seattle, together with SEA Airport, is experiencing an web and net programs outage, which is impacting some programs on the airport. Passengers are inspired to examine with their airways for the most recent info for his or her flights,” reads an X thread posted by the Port of Seattle.
“Earlier this morning the Port of Seattle skilled sure system outages indicating a doable cyberattack. The Port remoted crucial programs and is within the means of working to revive full service and wouldn’t have an estimated time for return. (Cont.)”
“We’re working intently with applicable authorities and companions to assist vacationers who could also be impacted. If you’re touring right this moment, please examine with our airline companions for journey info and permit further time to get to SEA and to your gate.”
The outages continued on Sunday, with the airport suggesting that folks entry journey info, similar to gate numbers comparable to their flights, on airline web sites.
The airport’s web site stays offline on the time of writing, whereas the official X deal with warns passengers they need to carry out sure actions, similar to check-in for his or her upcoming flights by way of their airline apps, as on-premise terminals stay out of order.
“System outages proceed on the Port of Seattle, together with at SEA airport,” reads the most recent replace from the airport operator.
“Port groups proceed to make progress on returning programs to regular operations, however there’s not an estimated time for return.”
These touring on Monday are beneficial to:
- Examine-in on-line and get your boarding move earlier than leaving.
- Follow carry-on baggage if doable.
- Enable further time to achieve SEA and your gate.
- Verify gate particulars along with your airline, as flight screens are nonetheless down.
The system outages haven’t impacted flights. Nevertheless, a number of individuals have been reporting multi-hour delays in some circumstances.
Alaska Airways additionally took to X to tell its prospects that its baggage sorting system is “extraordinarily restricted” at SEA, suggesting that folks solely deliver the minimal necessities with them and keep away from checking luggage if doable.
These in want of checking a bag are suggested so as to add a tag with their full identify and phone data on it. On its web site, Alaska Airways informs that this info will likely be used to trace luggage that haven’t appeared on the carousel upon arrival because of the present scenario.
An FBI spokesperson confirmed to The Seattle Instances that they “are conscious of the incident and dealing with companions to find out what occurred,” with out disclosing any extra info.
No ransomware teams or different menace actors have taken accountability for the assault presently.