Seattle, WA – July 21, 2025 – Alaska Airlines has halted all its flights across the United States, including those operated by its regional partner Horizon Air, due to a crippling IT outage that has thrown its operations into disarray. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforced a nationwide ground stop for the airline starting at 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Sunday, July 20, 2025, prioritizing passenger safety as the carrier grapples with widespread system failures.

In an official statement, Alaska Airlines confirmed the severity of the issue: “A significant IT outage struck Alaska Airlines at approximately 8 p.m. Pacific on Sunday, severely disrupting our operations. We’ve requested a system-wide ground stop for all Alaska and Horizon Air flights until we can fully resolve the issue. We deeply regret the inconvenience to our passengers and are working around the clock to restore normal operations. Expect delays and disruptions throughout the evening, and we urge travelers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.”

The outage crippled critical systems, including the airline’s website, mobile app, and check-in kiosks, leaving passengers stranded at airports nationwide. Social media platforms, particularly X, lit up with complaints from frustrated travelers describing chaotic scenes at hubs like Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac), where long lines formed and ticketing systems were inoperative. “It’s a mess at SeaTac right now. No kiosks working, no updates, just chaos,” one user posted. While Alaska Airlines has not disclosed the root cause of the outage, its IT teams are reportedly working feverishly to pinpoint and fix the problem.

This isn’t the first time Alaska Airlines has faced technical turbulence. In April 2024, a system upgrade glitch related to weight and balance calculations grounded its fleet for an hour. In September 2024, another IT failure triggered a 40-minute ground stop at SeaTac, snarling operations and online bookings. These recurring issues have raised questions about the reliability of the airline’s technological infrastructure, especially following a high-profile safety incident in January 2024, when a Boeing 737 MAX 9 made an emergency landing after its door plug component failed, prompting a temporary grounding of Alaska’s MAX 9 fleet.

The FAA lifted the ground stop early Monday morning after Alaska Airlines began stabilizing its systems, but the ripple effects are expected to disrupt schedules well into the day. “We’re seeing some progress, but residual delays are inevitable as we work to get back on track,” an Alaska Airlines spokesperson said. Passengers are strongly advised to check their flight status on alaskaair.com or through the Alaska Airlines mobile app before traveling to the airport.

For affected travelers, Alaska Airlines has promised support through its customer service channels, though wait times may be longer due to the volume of inquiries. The airline’s social media team is actively responding to passenger concerns on platforms like X, urging customers to stay patient as systems are restored.

This latest disruption adds to Alaska Airlines’ challenges in 2025, as it navigates a delicate balance of maintaining customer trust and operational reliability. With holiday travel season approaching, the airline faces pressure to resolve these issues swiftly to avoid further damage to its reputation.

What Passengers Need to Know:

• Check Flight Status: Visit alaskaair.com or use the Alaska Airlines mobile app for real-time updates.
• Customer Support: Reach out via the airline’s website or social media for rebooking or refund options.
• Travel Advisories: Expect delays and cancellations; arrive at the airport early if your flight is still scheduled.
• Stay Informed: Follow Alaska Airlines on X or other social media for the latest updates.

For ongoing developments, visit alaskaair.com or track real-time updates on Alaska Airlines’ official social media accounts.