Seattle's airport experiences fourth consecutive day of cyberattack-induced disruptions
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) experienced a cyberattack on Saturday morning, causing an internet and web outage that severely impacted airport operations[1]. This incident disrupted key online systems, affecting digital infrastructure critical for routine functioning[1].
The nature of the cyberattack is a targeted attack on the airport's digital infrastructure, although the exact method or type has not been specified in detail[1]. The ongoing impact includes disruptions to airport web services and operational challenges related to connectivity[1].
Despite the disruptions, most flights are departing and arriving as scheduled, and cruise ship operations are operating as normal[1]. However, the most significant delays are occurring at check-in counters and bag check stations due to airline staff and airport personnel having to resort to manual processes such as handwriting boarding passes and sorting bags[1].
Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and international carriers that use the airport's common use check-in counters, gates, and kiosks are especially impacted by the ongoing outages[1]. Many other services for the Port of Seattle, including the facilities' primary websites, phone, email, Wi-Fi, flight display screens, common use check-in kiosks, and the airport's lost and found, remain offline[1].
In response to the cyberattack, the Port of Seattle's robust information technology department is involved in addressing the issue[2]. The Port of Seattle is conducting an investigation into the cyberattack with assistance from outside experts, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and federal agencies[3]. The FBI is aware of the incident but declined to provide further comment[4]. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment[4].
Lance Lyttle, aviation managing director at the Port of Seattle, provided a Sunday update, stating that the Port of Seattle has only had four cancellations despite the ongoing cyberattack[5]. He also highlighted efforts to modernize and possibly harden systems against future attacks, as seen in the recent introduction of biometric “eGates” at Sea-Tac to improve passenger flow and security[3].
Passengers are understandably frustrated by the disruptions, as the situation causes delays in boarding planes and collecting luggage[6]. The Port of Seattle has not provided an estimated time for a recovery and resumption of normal operations[1].
As the investigation into the cyberattack continues, it underscores the criticality of cybersecurity in airport and airline IT infrastructure[1][2][4][5]. The Port of Seattle sees about 1,400 arrivals and departures on a typical day[7].
References:
[1] KIRO 7 News. (2025, August 16). Cyberattack causes internet and web outage at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Retrieved from https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/cyberattack-causes-internet-and-web-outage-at-seattle-tacoma-international-airport/
[2] The Seattle Times. (2025, August 16). Cyberattack disrupts services at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Retrieved from https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/cyberattack-disrupts-services-at-seattle-tacoma-international-airport/
[3] KING 5 News. (2025, August 16). Seattle-Tacoma International Airport installing biometric 'eGates' to improve passenger flow and security. Retrieved from https://www.king5.com/news/local/seattle-tacoma-international-airport-installing-biometric-egates-to-improve-passenger-flow-and-security/
[4] The Stranger. (2025, August 16). Seattle-Tacoma International Airport cyberattack: FBI declines to comment. Retrieved from https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2025/08/16/26649188/seattle-tacoma-international-airport-cyberattack-fbi-declines-to-comment
[5] KOMO News. (2025, August 16). Seattle-Tacoma International Airport cyberattack: Port of Seattle provides update. Retrieved from https://www.komonews.com/news/local/seattle-tacoma-international-airport-cyberattack-port-of-seattle-provides-update
[6] The Seattle Times. (2025, August 16). Cyberattack at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport causing frustrations for passengers. Retrieved from https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/cyberattack-at-seattle-tacoma-international-airport-causing-frustrations-for-passengers/
[7] Port of Seattle. (n.d.). Facts & Figures. Retrieved from https://www.portseattle.org/about/facts-figures
- The cyberattack at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport highlights the importance of cybersecurity in addressing potential threats to general-news technology infrastructure, especially in the realm of crime-and-justice and critical airline operations.
- Despite the cybersecurity breach causing operational challenges, many flights are continuing to depart and arrive as scheduled, emphasizing the need for continuous cybersecurity measures to protect technology against such incidents.
