A suspected cyberattack disrupted the internal systems of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in Washington for the third day in a row on August 26, 2024.
Operations at the airport have been disrupted since August 24, 2024. SEA announced that the airport had “experienced an internet and web system outage, affecting some systems.”
Widespread internet outages occurred through August 25 and 26, 2024, affecting several airport systems including the website, information screens, email systems and telephone systems.
The airport released an official statement on August 26, 2024, saying it had isolated critical systems and was currently working to restore full operations with the assistance of industry experts.
“We are working closely with our partners to assist travelers who may be affected,” said Perry Cooper, SEA airport’s senior media relations officer. “If you are traveling today, please check with your airline for flight and baggage information.”
Programs and services such as the SEA Visitor Pass and the airport’s Lost and Found office were also unavailable. The statement also noted that wait times at checkpoints were not displayed on screens.
Many passengers had to wait longer than usual at security checkpoints and endure long waits at baggage claim during the three-day outage. In addition, terminal screens were turned off throughout the airport, making it difficult to access arrival, departure and gate information.
According to The Cyber Express, airport staff were forced to manually enter passengers’ details. Passengers were asked to save their boarding passes on their mobile phones and allow a little extra time to get to their gates.
Officials have not yet released details on the full extent of the outage, but have said Frontier, Spirit, Sun Country, JetBlue and International Airlines were particularly hard hit by the outage.
