Apparent cyberattack leaves Seattle airport facing major internet outages

A suspected cyberattack disrupted access to the internet, phones, email and other systems at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for a third day Monday

SEATTLE — A suspected cyberattack disrupted internet, phone, email and other systems at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for the third straight day Monday as Port of Seattle officials worked to investigate the outages and restore full service.

“We are working around the clock to get the necessary systems back online and limit the impact on our passengers,” Lance Lyttle, the airport’s director of aviation, said at a news conference on Sunday.

Lyttle said the airport is investigating with the help of outside experts and working closely with federal partners, including the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection. Officials did not release details about the full extent of the outage, but Lyttle said it did not affect the TSA’s ability to screen passengers.

Some airlines, including Delta and Alaska Airlines, reported no service disruptions due to the outage. Both airlines use Sea-Tac as a hub. However, the outage did affect the Port of Seattle’s baggage sorting system, prompting airlines to warn passengers not to check bags if possible to avoid potential delays.

The airport also warned travelers to plan extra time at the airport and, if possible, use the airline’s mobile applications to obtain boarding passes and baggage tags.

Still, many travelers faced longer-than-normal security lines and long waits at baggage claim and check-in. Terminal screens were also down throughout the airport, making it difficult for some to determine which gate they were at.

“Port teams continue to make progress in returning systems to normal operations, but there is no estimated time for return,” the airport wrote on Facebook on Sunday.