Alaska Airlines Faces IT Outage, Cancellations Reach Tens of Thousands

Strategic Insights -

Alaska Airlines is facing a second major IT outage in 2023, with hundreds of flights canceled and tens of thousands of passengers affected. The carrier has grounded flights and brought in outside technical experts to diagnose its IT infrastructure, citing a need for increased resilience. The outage has led to a ground stop, with passengers stuck on planes waiting for updates on their travel plans. Alaska Airlines has apologized and taken responsibility for the inconvenience, stating that the level of performance is not acceptable.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IT outage has caused more than 400 flights on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air to be canceled as of 1 p.m. PT on Friday.
  • Hawaiian Airlines flights have not been impacted by the outage.
  • Over 49,000 passengers have faced travel disruptions over the past two days.
  • Alaska Airlines is working to "normalize operations safely and as quickly as possible" and will bring in outside technical experts to diagnose its IT infrastructure.
  • The carrier has increased airport staffing to support guests and advised travelers to check their flight status before going to the airport.
  • A flexible travel policy is in place, allowing guests to self-service on the app and website.
  • This is the second IT outage affecting Alaska Airlines in 2023, with a previous outage occurring in July 2023.
  • Alaska Airlines has taken action to harden its systems after the previous outage, but the current issue highlights the need for further system stability.

Statistics:

  • Over 49,000 passengers have faced travel disruptions over the past two days.
  • More than 400 flights on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air have been canceled as of 1 p.m. PT on Friday.
  • The carrier has brought in outside technical experts to diagnose its IT infrastructure.
  • Hawaii Airlines flights have not been impacted by the outage.

Sources:

  • [1] X post from the carrier (no date)