A cyberattack has brought down the IT systems at Seattle-Tacoma Airport.

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has acknowledged that the current IT system failure, which interrupted reservation check-in processes and delayed flights over the weekend, is most likely the result of a cyberattack.

SEA-TAC is Seattle's main international airport and the busiest in the Pacific Northwest. By 2023, it will have serviced around 51 million passengers. The airport is a key hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Line, with 91 domestic and 28 international flights.

On Saturday, August 24, the Port of Seattle issued a warning that it and the SEA Airport were experiencing a continuing outage due by a "possible cyberattack," prompting them to isolate key essential systems to limit the damage.

"The Port of Seattle, including SEA Airport, is experiencing an internet and web system outage, affecting some airport functions. The Port of Seattle has posted an X thread encouraging passengers to check with their airlines for the most up-to-date information on their flights.

"Earlier this morning, the Port of Seattle experienced some system disruptions, indicating a potential cyberattack. The Port has isolated critical systems and is trying to restore full service; however, there is no expected time of return. (Cont.)"

"We are working closely with the necessary authorities and partners to assist travelers who may be affected. If you are flying today, please check with our airline partners for travel information and provide extra time to get to SEA and your gate."

The outages persisted on Sunday, with the airport advising travelers to get travel information, such as gate numbers for their flights, via airline websites.

At the time of writing, the airport's website is down, and the official X account tells passengers that they should use their airline apps to check in for forthcoming flights because on-premise terminals are still down.

"System outages continue at the Port of Seattle, including SEA airport," according to the airport operator's most recent bulletin.

"Port teams continue to make progress on returning systems to normal operations, but there is not an estimated time for return."

Those traveling on Monday are advised to:

• Check in online and receive your boarding card before departing.
• If feasible, travel with only carry-on luggage.
• Allow extra time to get to SEA and your gate.
• Confirm gate information with your airline, as flight displays are still down.

Flights were unaffected by the system disruptions. However, numerous people have reported multi-hour delays in certain circumstances.

Alaska Airlines also took to X to tell customers that its luggage sorting system at SEA is "extremely limited," advising them to carry only the basics and avoid checking bags if possible.

Those who need to check a bag should put a tag with their full name and contact information. Alaska Airlines' website states that this information will be utilized to trace bags that did not appear on the carousel upon arrival owing to the current circumstance.

An FBI official confirmed to The Seattle Times that they "are aware of the incident and working with partners to determine what happened," but did not provide any further information.

Currently, no ransomware groups or other threat actors have claimed credit for the attack.

Source: Bleeping Computer

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