Alaska Airlines Grounds Flights Due to IT Outage, Passengers Stranded

Strategic Insights -

Alaska Airlines experienced a system-wide IT outage on Thursday evening, prompting a temporary ground stop by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded on planes or waiting at gates. It is the second IT-related issue affecting the airline this year, following a three-hour grounding in July. Passengers took to social media to express frustration and confusion, with some stuck on aircraft for two hours or more, while others waited for updates at their gates.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IT outage affected Alaska Airlines flights nationwide, with a temporary ground stop issued by the FAA on Thursday evening.
  • This is the second IT-related issue affecting the airline this year, following a three-hour grounding in July.
  • Passengers complained of being stuck on planes or waiting at gates for extended periods, with some reporting two hours or more of delays.
  • The airline apologized to passengers, stating that their IT team was working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
  • Alaska Airlines operates Horizon Air and Hawaiian Airlines in addition to its main brand.
  • The IT outage is separate from staffing issues at major U.S. airports, which resulted in ground stops at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport due to the government shutdown.

Statistics:

  • 100 fewer Alaska Airlines planes were in the air compared to a week ago, according to flight-tracking site FlightRadar24.
  • Passengers reported being stuck on planes or waiting at gates for two hours or more.
  • The airline has apologized to a handful of passengers on social media about the delays.

Sources:

  • Alaska Airlines
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • FlightRadar24
  • Getty Images