Incident at the International Airport of Sea-Tac
On August 24, the International Airport of Sea-Tac faced serious IT system failures, possibly due to cyberattacks. The issues led to delayed flights and passenger registration problems, significantly impacting the largest airport in the region.
According to a report by the Port of Seattle, which oversees the airport, experts suggested that the network failure was a result of a cyberattack. To prevent further disruptions, critical systems were isolated. The exact time for the restoration of normal operations remains unknown, but efforts to return systems to standard functioning are ongoing.
Passengers are advised to anticipate delays and check flight information with their respective airlines. The official site of the airport is inaccessible, and registration terminals have been temporarily disabled. As a workaround, passengers are encouraged to use airline apps for check-in and to allocate extra time for airport procedures.
Despite the IT system issues, flights have not been canceled, although many passengers have reported significant delays. Problems have arisen with the baggage sorting system, as highlighted by Alaska Airlines. Passengers are urged to carry only hand luggage to minimize potential delays.
As of now, no prominent hacker groups have claimed responsibility for the cyberattack. The FBI is aware of the situation and is collaborating with partners to investigate the incident further. Sea-Tac, a crucial international airport in the Pacific Northwest, served nearly 51 million passengers in 2023. It is a key hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines, offering flights to 91 domestic and 28 international destinations.