Alaska Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the United States, encountered a major setback on October 23, 2025 when a widespread IT outage caused the grounding of its entire fleet nationwide. The disruption affected not only Alaska Airlines but also its subsidiary Horizon Air, resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations and stranding thousands of passengers at airports across the country. According to reports, the outage was caused by a technical issue that affected critical systems, leading the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue a ground stop order.
The airline quickly responded to the situation by lifting the ground stop by 11:30 p. m. Pacific Time on Thursday, as stated in an official update. However, the effects of the outage continued into Friday, with expected disruptions as crews worked to reposition aircraft. This is the second major IT failure for Alaska Airlines in 2025, following a similar incident in July that also caused widespread delays.
Industry experts are closely examining the recurrence of these IT outages, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in airline IT infrastructure. The outage disrupted booking systems, check-ins, and flight operations, raising concerns about cybersecurity and the reliability of systems in the aviation sector.
The IT Outage: A Closer Look
Detailed reports from various sources depict a chaotic scene that unfolded rapidly. The Los Angeles Times reported that thousands of passengers were left stranded on the ground, with the airline resuming operations on Friday after the IT issue prevented planes from taking off. Passengers at major hubs like Seattle-Tacoma International Airport faced long lines and frustration as systems for reservations and boarding went offline.
According to Reuters, the technology outage led to the cancellation of more than 229 flights, with Alaska Airlines working to restore normal operations. “We are working to restore operations to normal as quickly and safely as possible,” the airline stated in a release published on its news site, as cited by Alaska Airlines’ official blog.
The FAA confirmed the ground stop in coordination with the airline, emphasizing safety protocols. This event disrupted travel plans for countless individuals, including business travelers and families, and had a ripple effect on the economy within the airline industry.
Historical Context and Recurring Issues
Business Insider noted that this is the second major tech outage for Alaska Airlines in 2025, raising concerns about potential systemic weaknesses. The July incident also resulted in a ground stop, prompting questions about the airline’s IT resilience. Analysts suggest that outdated legacy systems and increasing cyber threats could be potential causes, although no official reason has been disclosed for the October outage.
Posts on X (formerly Twitter) reflected the public’s frustration, with users expressing their annoyance over delays and speculating on the causes, including unverified claims of hacks. However, these claims remain inconclusive, as emphasized by aviation watchdogs. The Anchorage Daily News reported that operations were restored by 10:30 p. m. Alaska time on Thursday, but warned that some flight disruptions could persist.
CNN’s coverage detailed how the IT problem forced the grounding