Tourists traveling across the United States are facing delays today due to a technical issue plaguing a major airline. Alaska Airlines is currently grappling with an IT outage, causing flights to be grounded at various airports in the US and Mexico. The airline has acknowledged the problem on its website, stating it is a temporary technical issue and they are actively addressing it.
The US Federal Aviation Administration advisory has cautioned passengers to verify their flight statuses before heading to the airport as airports like O’Hare International Airport in Chicago and John F Kennedy International Airport in New York City are impacted.
Alaska Airlines, a prominent player in the US and Mexico travel sectors, is even expanding its services to European destinations, including London Heathrow, next year. Ranked as the fifth-largest airline in North America based on scheduled passengers carried as of 2024, Alaska Airlines operates with regional partners like Horizon Air and SkyWest Airlines, although it remains uncertain if these partners are affected by the current situation.
With a fleet of 328 aircraft and a workforce exceeding 20,000 employees, the IT disruption at Alaska Airlines has the potential to cause significant disruptions. Passengers have expressed frustration over the lack of communication, with some reporting delays in receiving updates on their flights.
Alaska Airlines has taken to Twitter to confirm the IT outage and advise passengers to check their flight statuses before traveling. The airline has issued an apology for the inconvenience caused and implemented a temporary ground stop. Passengers are urged to stay informed about their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid any further inconvenience.
