Port of Seattle authorities said the port was hit with a possible cyberattack, which has impacted Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SeaTac Airport) and Port of Seattle websites.
The Port of Seattle reported the incident on X on Saturday at 9 a.m. Pacific time as an “internet and web systems outage.” A few hours later, SeaTac Airport took to X and said that the Port of Seattle experienced “system outages indicating a possible cyberattack.”
SeaTac Airport said Sunday in another post on X that system outages were ongoing despite the Port of Seattle’s progress in restoring it to regular operation and that “there is not an estimated time for return.”
According to FlightAware, SeaTac Airport canceled six flights on Saturday and five more on Sunday. On Sunday, SeaTac Airport also delayed 271 flights. Delta and Alaska Airlines have reported no disruptions due to the system outages and have been operating as usual at SeaTac Airport.
SeaTac Airport’s aviation managing director, Lance Lyttle, said in a press conference on Sunday, “We are working around the clock to get systems back online and to mitigate the impact on passengers and our partner airlines.”
The Port of Seattle’s baggage sorting system has also been affected. Airlines have advised their passengers not to check baggage so as to avoid potentially losing it. According to the AP, the airport’s terminal screens have also been down.
Travelers have been told to check in online and arrive earlier for their flights to compensate for any potential complications caused by system outages. Anything passengers can do to avoid relying on the airport’s systems so as to avoid delays has been encouraged.
Possible cyberattacks in the US and airport security
President Biden and his administration announced an executive order earlier this year to improve cybersecurity at all ports across the United States. The executive order was prompted by increasing concern over hackers aiming to disrupt US infrastructure.
In a statement to GeekWire, TSA said:
“TSA is aware of the outage to Port of Seattle’s internet service and is working with partners at the Port. There is no impact to TSA’s operations at the security checkpoint, and TSA continues to screen passengers using its robust procedures.”
Lyttle also confirmed in the press conference on Sunday that TSA has had no issues screening passengers and conducting its operations.
He said that the airport, along with the help of TSA and Customs and Border Protection, is investigating the possible cyberattack and is actively working to restore the airport to normal.
The possible cyberattack comes just a month after a global cyber outage caused by a Crowdstrike update disrupted airlines, banks, and companies worldwide.
