SEATTLE – An apparent cyber attack disrupted Internet, phone, email and other systems at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for a third day Monday as Port of Seattle officials worked to investigate the outages and restore full service.
“We are working around the clock to bring the necessary systems online and to mitigate the impact on our passengers,” the airport’s director of aviation, Lance Lyttle, said at a press 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 have not released details on 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 from the outage. Both airlines use Sea-Tac as a hub. Still, the outage affected the Port of Seattle’s baggage sorting system, prompting airlines to warn passengers to avoid checking bags if possible to avoid potential delays.
The airport also warned travelers to allow extra time at the airport and to use the airline’s mobile applications to get boarding passes and bags whenever possible.
Still, many travelers faced longer-than-normal security lines and long waits at baggage claim and check-in. Terminal screens were also out throughout the airport, making it difficult for some to determine their assigned gate.
“Port crews continue to make progress in restoring systems to normal operation, but there is no estimated time of return,” the airport posted on Facebook on Sunday.