Airlines services resume in Alaska following nationwide disruption due to IT failure
Alaska Airlines Experiences IT Outage, Affecting Hundreds of Flights
On July 20, 2025, Alaska Airlines faced an unexpected IT outage that disrupted flight operations across its mainline and Horizon Air flights in the United States. The outage, which lasted for approximately three hours, was caused by the failure of a critical piece of multi-redundant hardware at the airline's data centers, manufactured by a third party.
The incident resulted in a ground stop, halting all takeoffs for safety and compliance, leading to over 200 flight cancellations and ongoing delays and disruptions. Passengers were advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and were urged to rebook their flights via the airline's app or website.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the ground stop was issued at the airline's request due to the internal system failure. Terminal announcements advised travelers of the outage, and social media was flooded with complaints and photos of crowded terminals. Some passengers reported waiting for hours without clear information from staff, a result of the IT disruption's impact on communication systems.
Despite the challenges, Alaska Airlines worked diligently to get operations back on track. By approximately 11:00 p.m. Pacific, the airline announced that the issue had been resolved, and flight operations were gradually resuming. Passengers across several airports, including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, reported flight delays and cancellations due to the IT outage.
Flight tracking data early Monday showed dozens of delayed and some canceled flights as the airline worked to reposition aircraft and crew. The airline has pledged to review and reinforce its IT systems to prevent future disruptions, and an internal investigation is underway.
The IT outage is a reminder that even the most reliable carriers can be affected by technical breakdowns. The incident raises broader industry concerns about digital infrastructure reliability in aviation. This incident is the latest in a series of tech-related airline disruptions that have affected U.S. carriers in recent years.
Passengers affected by the outage are advised to contact Alaska Airlines customer service if they are eligible for compensation or travel vouchers due to the disruption. Alaska Airlines serves over 120 destinations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica.
[1] Alaska Airlines Press Release, July 20, 2025. [2] Alaska Airlines Customer Service, July 20, 2025. [3] Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Statement, July 20, 2025. [4] Alaska Airlines IT Outage FAQ, July 21, 2025.
- The disrupted flight operations of Alaska Airlines in July 2025, caused by an IT outage, highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure in aviation, extending implications to logistics and travel across Africa.
- As the aviation industry continues to advance with technology, incidents like the Alaska Airlines IT outage could impact infrastructure development, potentially hindering aviation lifestyles and general-news updates in Africa.
- Investments in digital technology for ports and airports in Africa are necessary to ensure resilient transportation networks, mitigating potential disruptions like the Alaska Airlines incident.
- The Alaska Airlines IT outage serves as a case study to examine and improve digital infrastructure in aviation, paving the way for more efficient travel and digital logistics solutions across various industries, including airlines, aviation, and general-news sectors.
- In light of the Alaska Airlines IT outage, it is crucial for the general public, aviation stakeholders, and policymakers to recognize the vital role of digital infrastructure in import and export activities, travel, and airport operations.
