Passengers across the United States faced extensive delays as a major airline encountered technical difficulties, leading to stranded travelers and grounded flights at various airports. Alaska Airlines suffered disruptions due to an IT outage, causing significant backlogs and flight stoppages in the US and Mexico. The airline acknowledged the issue on its website, mentioning ongoing efforts to resolve the temporary technical problem.
The situation persisted for hours until a resolution was reached around 3.30 UK time. However, the aftermath of the backlog resulted in extensive delays at multiple airports, including O’Hare International Airport in Chicago and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Travelers took to social media to express frustration over the chaos caused by the IT outage, with many seeking clarity and updates from the airline.
Alaska Airlines assured passengers that the IT outage was not a cyber attack and confirmed that the issue stemmed from a problem at its primary data center, affecting various operational systems. The airline apologized for the disruption and emphasized its commitment to getting passengers to their destinations promptly. Despite resolving the technical issue, delays persisted, impacting travel schedules into the night.
Alaska Airlines, known for its extensive network and upcoming expansion into European destinations, faced criticism for the handling of communication during the outage. Passengers shared their experiences of being stuck on planes and enduring lengthy wait times, highlighting the challenges posed by the airline’s IT disruptions. The airline advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the ongoing situation.