Seattle-Tacoma Airport Hit by Cyberattack Crippling IT Systems and Disrupting Flights
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA-TAC) faced a major disruption over the weekend after a likely cyberattack took down its IT systems, leading to widespread chaos for travelers. The incident, which began on Saturday, August 24, has resulted in delays and forced the airport to isolate critical systems in an effort to mitigate the damage.
SEA-TAC, the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest and a key hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines, handles nearly 51 million passengers annually. The cyberattack has impacted the airport's ability to manage check-in systems and flight schedules, prompting officials to advise passengers to confirm flight details directly with their airlines and allow extra time for travel.
Cyberattack Brings SEA-TAC's Systems to a Standstill
The Port of Seattle, which operates SEA-TAC, announced the potential cyberattack via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), urging travelers to check with their airlines for the latest flight information. The outage has affected multiple systems, including the airport's website, which remains offline as of this writing.
"We are working closely with appropriate authorities and partners to help travelers who may be impacted," the Port of Seattle stated. "Port teams continue to make progress on returning systems to normal operations, but there is not an estimated time for return."
While flights have not been canceled, passengers have reported delays of several hours, particularly due to limitations in Alaska Airlines' baggage sorting system. The airline has advised travelers to avoid checking luggage if possible, as the system remains "extremely limited."
Ongoing Investigation into SEA-TAC Cyberattack
The FBI has confirmed that it is aware of the situation and is working with relevant authorities to investigate the incident. However, details remain scarce, and no ransomware groups or other threat actors have claimed responsibility for the attack.
As SEA-TAC continues to work towards full restoration of its IT systems, travelers are encouraged to check in online, bring only carry-on luggage, and confirm gate details directly with their airlines. The situation remains fluid, with the airport operator providing updates as they become available.
The cyberattack on SEA-TAC highlights the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats. As airports become increasingly reliant on technology to manage operations, the risk of disruption from cyberattacks escalates. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting vital systems from malicious actors.
For travelers passing through SEA-TAC in the coming days, staying informed and prepared will be key to navigating the ongoing challenges posed by this cyberattack.