Alaska Airlines has grounded its flights, along with those of its regional subsidiary, Horizon Air, due to an information technology outage affecting operations. The ground stop began at approximately 20:00 PT (23:00 ET) on March 24, 2024. This disruption impacts both Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, which primarily serves the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
In a statement issued to CNN, Alaska Airlines confirmed that they requested a temporary, system-wide ground stop for all flights operated by Alaska and Horizon Air until the issue is resolved. The airline noted on the social media platform X that the IT outage is “affecting operations” and that a temporary ground stop is currently in effect.
While the specific cause of the outage has not been disclosed, the airline warned passengers to anticipate delays throughout the evening. Travelers are advised to check their flight status before arriving at the airport.
“We apologize to our guests for this inconvenience. There will be residual impacts to our operation throughout the evening,” Alaska Airlines stated.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the request to ground all Alaska Airlines mainline flights was made around 22:52 ET. This situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
As the airline navigates this disruption, it highlights the critical nature of IT systems in modern air travel. Such outages can lead to significant operational challenges, prompting airlines to take swift action to ensure passenger safety and manage the flow of flights.
Travelers flying with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are encouraged to stay informed and seek updates regarding their travel plans.
