Alaska Airlines ground stop lifted but travelers frustrated by lingering delays
Alaska Airlines ended a nearly three-hour ground stop late Sunday night due to an IT outage that impacted its entire fleet. As of Monday morning, the airline reported 46 canceled and 46 delayed flights, affecting many travelers still at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Video footage showed passengers stranded on the tarmac, highlighting the frustration of those unable to return home. Long lines formed as travelers sought to re-book flights, while nearby hotels were fully booked, leaving some without accommodations. Alaska Airlines issued an apology for the disruption and noted ongoing residual impacts to operations.
Passengers are encouraged to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport. The airline, the fifth-largest in the U. S. , serves more than 120 destinations across five countries. This incident underscores the challenges airlines face with technological issues and their impact on customer service.