Alaska Airlines experienced a significant IT failure this week, with hackers suspected to be behind the disruption. The outage caused chaos across the airline's operations, leading to delayed and cancelled flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
What Happened?
The airline's systems went down unexpectedly, grounding flights and causing confusion at airports. Staff resorted to manual check-ins as digital systems failed, slowing down boarding processes and creating long queues.
Hackers to Blame?
Sources suggest that the outage may have been caused by a cyberattack, though Alaska Airlines has yet to confirm this officially. Cybersecurity experts warn that airlines are increasingly becoming targets for hackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
Impact on Passengers
Passengers reported frustration as flights were delayed or cancelled with little notice. Many took to social media to express their anger, with some claiming they were left without accommodation or alternative travel arrangements.
Airline Response
Alaska Airlines issued an apology, stating that teams were working around the clock to restore services. The airline offered refunds and rebooking options for affected travellers, but the disruption is expected to linger for days.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on the aviation industry. With airlines relying heavily on digital systems, experts urge stronger cybersecurity measures to prevent future outages.
