The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is currently in the throes of a suspected cyberattack, causing widespread internet outages that have disrupted critical systems for the third consecutive day. Port of Seattle officials confirmed the ongoing crisis, which began early Saturday morning and has since impacted various airport operations.
Extent of the Outage
The full scale of the outage remains undisclosed, but reports indicate that several key systems have been affected:
- Port of Seattle websites
- Email systems
- Phone systems
- Baggage sorting system
- Terminal information screens
Official Response and Investigation
Lance Lyttle, the airport’s aviation managing director, addressed the situation during a Sunday press conference. He assured the public that:
- Efforts are ongoing to bring systems back online
- TSA’s passenger screening processes remain unaffected
- The airport is working around the clock to mitigate impacts on passengers
Sea-Tac is collaborating with federal agencies and external cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident, including:
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The Port of Seattle, including SEA Airport, is experiencing an internet and web systems outage, which is impacting some systems at the airport. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest information for their flights. pic.twitter.com/GY6fbAHBg8
— Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) August 24, 2024
Impact on Airlines and Passengers
While major airlines such as Delta and Alaska Airlines have reported no significant service interruptions, the cyberattack has caused several inconveniences for travelers:
- Airlines are advising passengers against checking luggage to avoid delays
- Travelers are encouraged to allow extra time for their airport experience
- Passengers should use mobile applications for check-ins
- Longer-than-usual security lines and baggage claim wait times are expected
- Inoperative terminal information screens have complicated gate assignments for some passengers
Alaska Airlines confirmed that their systems remain unaffected, allowing them to maintain their full schedule in and out of Seattle throughout the weekend.
Ongoing Efforts and Updates
Port of Seattle officials have acknowledged progress in restoring systems but have not provided an estimated timeline for a full return to normal operations. The airport continues to provide updates through social media channels, keeping passengers informed about the evolving situation.
Cybersecurity Implications
This incident at Sea-Tac highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. Airports, as essential transportation hubs, are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals. The attack underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures and rapid response protocols in the aviation industry.
Advice for Travelers
Passengers traveling through Sea-Tac in the coming days are advised to:
- Check with their airlines for the latest flight information
- Arrive at the airport earlier than usual
- Be prepared for potential delays and longer wait times
- Use mobile check-in options when possible
- Avoid checking luggage if feasible
