The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) entered its third day of system outages on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 as officials continue to grapple with the effects of a suspected cyberattack that has disrupted critical operations.

The incident, which began early Saturday morning, Aug. 24, has affected various systems at the airport, including internet, phones, email, and the Port of Seattle’s baggage sorting system.

While major airlines like Delta and Alaska Airlines report minimal service interruptions, travelers are facing longer-than-normal security lines and extended wait times at baggage claim areas.

Lance Lyttle, Sea-Tac’s aviation managing director, addressed the situation during a Sunday press conference, stating:

“We’re working around the clock to get necessary systems back online and to mitigate impacts to our passengers.”

He emphasized that the Transportation Security Administration’s ability to screen passengers remains unaffected.

The Port of Seattle is collaborating with federal agencies, including the TSA and Customs and Border Protection, as well as external cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident. Officials have not disclosed the full scope of the outage or provided an estimated timeline for complete recovery.

Passengers are advised to allow extra time for their airport experience, utilize mobile applications for check-ins, and avoid checking luggage if possible. Terminal information displays have also been affected, complicating gate assignments for some travelers.

As of Monday, airport officials reported progress in restoring systems but have not announced a definitive timeline for full service restoration. The incident highlights the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats and the potential for widespread disruption in the aviation sector.

Videos

Below are videos about this ongoing incident: