Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has been grappling with an apparent cyberattack that has disrupted internet, phones, email, and other systems for a third consecutive day. The Port of Seattle officials are diligently working to investigate the outages and restore full service to the airport. Aviation managing director Lance Lyttle emphasized the airport’s commitment to getting necessary systems back online and minimizing impacts on passengers during a press conference on Sunday.
The airport is currently collaborating with outside experts and federal partners, including the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection, to address the cyberattack. While details about the extent of the outage have not been disclosed, Lyttle assured that TSA’s ability to screen passengers remains unaffected. Despite the disruption, some airlines like Delta and Alaska Airlines, which use Sea-Tac as a hub, reported no service interruptions. However, the Port of Seattle’s baggage sorting system and lost and found system were impacted, prompting airlines to advise passengers to avoid checking bags if possible to prevent potential delays.
Travelers at the airport have been advised to allow extra time and utilize airline mobile applications for boarding passes and bag tags. However, many passengers have encountered longer security lines, delays at baggage claims, and challenges in determining their assigned gates due to the outage of terminal screens. The airport recommended seeking assistance from airport staff in green uniforms for guidance.
One traveler, Thai Un, shared his chaotic experience at the airport with his family. They faced delays in dropping off checked bags, confusion due to non-functional flight information screens, and manual bag tag checks causing further delays. Upon arrival in Maui, two of their bags were missing, adding to the stress of the situation. Un emphasized the importance of airports having backup processes in place to handle such disruptions effectively.
Despite the ongoing efforts of port teams to resolve the issues, there is no estimated timeline for when systems will return to normal operations. The airport continues to update passengers on the situation through social media platforms. The cyberattack serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against such incidents in the future. Travelers are advised to stay informed and patient as authorities work to restore services at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
