What's happened
Alaska Airlines experienced a significant IT outage on October 29, causing flight cancellations and delays. The airline has since engaged external experts to assess and improve its systems, following a previous outage in July. Hawaiian Airlines flights remain unaffected, but thousands face travel disruptions.
What's behind the headline?
The ongoing IT outages at Alaska Airlines reveal systemic vulnerabilities in its technology infrastructure. Despite previous efforts to harden systems after July's outage, the recurrence indicates that these measures are insufficient. The airline's decision to bring in external experts suggests a recognition that internal fixes have failed to prevent disruptions. This pattern underscores the industry's broader challenge of maintaining reliable digital systems amid increasing cyber threats and hardware failures. The impact on passengers is significant, eroding trust and highlighting the need for robust, fail-safe technology. If Alaska Airlines does not accelerate its modernization efforts, further outages are likely, risking long-term reputational damage and financial losses. The situation also raises questions about the airline's crisis management and communication strategies, which are crucial during such disruptions.
What the papers say
Bloomberg reports that Alaska Airlines is actively assessing its technology systems with Accenture, aiming to build a more resilient operation. The Independent details the recent outages, including the grounding of flights and passenger frustrations, emphasizing the recurrence of the problem and the airline's response. Business Insider UK highlights the FAA's involvement and the request for a ground stop for Horizon Air, noting the history of similar outages in July. These sources collectively illustrate a pattern of technical failures and the airline's efforts to address them, though the repeated incidents suggest systemic issues remain unresolved. The coverage from Bloomberg underscores the strategic approach of external assessment, while The Independent and Business Insider focus on the operational and passenger impact, providing a comprehensive view of the ongoing crisis.
How we got here
Alaska Airlines has faced recurring IT issues, with outages disrupting operations in July and October. The outages have impacted hundreds of flights, leading to cancellations and passenger delays. The airline has a history of technical problems, prompting efforts to improve system resilience.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Caused the Recent Alaska Airlines IT Outage?
Alaska Airlines recently experienced a significant IT outage that disrupted thousands of flights and left many passengers stranded. Understanding what caused this outage is key to grasping the airline's ongoing challenges and what steps are being taken to prevent future issues. Below, we explore the causes, impacts, and future plans of Alaska Airlines following this disruptive event.
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Why Do Airline IT Systems Fail So Often?
Airline IT failures are more common than many travelers realize, leading to delays, cancellations, and frustration. Despite advances in technology, airlines still face significant challenges in maintaining reliable systems. Curious about what causes these outages and what’s being done to prevent them? Below, we explore the main reasons behind airline tech failures and how the industry is working to improve system resilience.
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Why Do Airlines Experience System Outages and Delays?
Airline IT outages can cause major disruptions, leaving travelers stranded and frustrated. Understanding what causes these system failures, how airlines respond, and what passengers should do can help you navigate travel chaos more effectively. Below, we explore common questions about airline system outages and how they impact your journey.
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Why is Alaska Airlines experiencing repeated IT outages?
Alaska Airlines has faced multiple IT outages this year, causing flight cancellations and delays. Many travelers are wondering what’s behind these system failures and what the airline is doing to fix them. Below, we explore the causes, impacts, and future steps to improve Alaska Airlines' system resilience.
More on these topics
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Alaska Airlines is a major American airline headquartered in SeaTac, Washington, within the Seattle metropolitan area. It is the fifth largest airline in the United States when measured by fleet size, scheduled passengers carried, and the number of destin
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Horizon Air Industries, Inc., operating as Horizon Air, is an American regional airline based in SeaTac, Washington, United States.
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Hawaiian Airlines is the largest operator of commercial flights to and from the U.S. state of Hawaii. It is the tenth-largest commercial airline in the United States, and is based at Honolulu, Hawaii. The airline operates its main hub at Daniel K.
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Alaska Air Group is an airline holding company based in SeaTac, Washington, United States.
The group owns two certificated airlines, Alaska Airlines, a mainline carrier, and Horizon Air, a regional carrier.