By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air experienced a system-wide IT outage on Sunday evening, leading to a temporary grounding of all flights. The disruption started around 8 p.m. Pacific Time, affecting all destinations served by both airlines. Passengers were advised to check their flight statuses before traveling. Neither the airline nor the FAA provided an estimated time for when operations would resume.
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Alaska Airlines grounds all mainline flights nationwide, FAA says, and it certainly feels like a headline that grabs your attention. It’s not every day you hear about a major airline completely halting its operations across the country. It’s a situation that throws travel plans into chaos, and judging by the chatter, it’s a moment that’s got everyone talking.
Now, it seems the grounding specifically affects Alaska Airlines’ mainline aircraft. These are typically the larger jets used for longer routes. The FAA’s listing was pretty clear on that point, adding a layer of detail to what’s already a pretty big deal. It’s a ripple effect, no doubt, and leaves a lot of people wondering about the extent of the disruption.
Interestingly, there are accounts of people actually on the ground, stuck in the middle of this whole thing. One person said they were sitting on a plane in Seattle, scheduled for Portland, with no departure in sight. Another shared their experience of being stuck on the tarmac in Las Vegas after having departed from Seattle. Canceled flights, delayed departures, and the general feeling of being stranded are all part of the picture.
The impact is clearly being felt. We’re hearing about flights being canceled, people being rerouted and put up in hotels. It sounds like Alaska Airlines is stepping up to take care of its passengers, but it’s still a huge inconvenience, especially when people just want to get home. The fact that some people are being offered overnight stays and alternative transportation, shows the scale of the operation.
One common thread running through the comments is the frustration of not knowing what’s happening. Several people noted the silence from the airline. The mystery of the situation is definitely adding to the stress, with comments such as “Something is going on and they are not telling us.” That lack of information always makes things worse, especially when you’re just trying to get from point A to point B.
The immediate cause, according to ABC News, is an IT outage, but the speculation is rife. Some are pointing to the possibility of a cyberattack. Others are wondering if it’s related to the Microsoft/SharePoint issue that was discovered. Given the state of cybersecurity these days, it’s no surprise that this possibility is being floated around.
Adding to the mix are some interesting observations about the types of aircraft involved. Alaska Airlines primarily uses Boeing 737s. Knowing that, we can grasp the scope of the operation that’s being disrupted.
It’s easy to imagine how frustrating it is to be stuck in this situation. One person expressed their exasperation by saying, “I don’t think I’m leaving tonight.” Another, in a moment of irony, wrote from an Alaska Airlines flight in the process of departing from Seattle. The travel experience is always a roller coaster, but it looks like, in this case, the tracks have been pulled up.
It’s also clear that people are looking for answers. There are thoughts about the nature of the problem, everything from a Boeing Max-style issue to a software glitch. People are concerned about safety, which is understandable.
Looking back at the comments, there’s a mix of frustration, speculation, and a touch of dark humor. It’s a situation that highlights how interconnected our world is and how reliant we are on complex systems. And it’s a reminder that even the best-laid travel plans can be derailed in an instant.