Cyberattack Disrupts Internet at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

An apparent cyberattack has disrupted internet, phones, email, and other systems at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for three consecutive days. Port of Seattle officials are investigating the outages and working to restore full service.

"We're working around the clock to get necessary systems back online and to mitigate impacts to our passengers," stated Lance Lyttle, the airport's aviation managing director, during a press conference on Sunday.

Investigations and Collaborations

The airport is collaborating with external experts and federal partners, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to investigate the incident. Details about the full extent of the outage have not been disclosed, but Lyttle confirmed that TSA's ability to screen passengers remains unaffected.

Despite the disruptions, some airlines like Delta and Alaska Airlines reported no service interruptions. Both airlines use Sea-Tac as a hub. However, the outage did impact the Port of Seattle's baggage sorting system, leading airlines to advise passengers against checking bags to avoid potential delays.

Impact on Travellers

Travellers were advised to allow extra time at the airport and use airline mobile applications for boarding passes and bag tags when possible. Many faced longer-than-usual security lines and extended waits at baggage claims and check-in counters. Terminal screens were also down throughout the airport, complicating gate assignments for some passengers.

"Port teams continue to make progress on returning systems to normal operations, but there is not an estimated time for return," the airport wrote on Facebook on Sunday.

The situation remains under close scrutiny as efforts continue to resolve the issues and restore normal operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.