UPDATE: SEA Airport continues to cope with cyberattacks and offers tips for Labor Day travelers

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) continues to grapple with the impact of a recent cyberattack while maintaining normal flight operations and security checkpoints ahead of what is expected to be a busy Labor Day weekend.

The attack – which has been ongoing since Saturday, August 24, 2024 – has disrupted the airport’s website, Wi-Fi and certain communications services. However, the Port of Seattle says most travelers should not expect major delays.

“The port has isolated critical systems and is currently working with the support of industry experts to restore full operations,” the redirected website“We are working closely with our partners to support potentially affected travelers. There is currently no estimated time for return.”

The port has not yet disclosed the cause of the cyberattack, which has now lasted for five days, but said its communications team is once again reachable by email as some staff have limited access again.

In a recent update, SEA officials assured passengers that departures, arrivals and TSA security screening are operating as normal. Delays and cancellations are still typical of a busy summer day and do not impact FAA operations.

While most travelers will not experience disruption, smaller international airlines may still experience outages, such as handwritten boarding passes or baggage tags due to system failures. SEA staff are on hand to help travelers with information and directions, and many are stationed around the terminal wearing green clothing so they can be easily identified.

The airport website, usually accessible at www.portseattle.orghas been redirected to a temporary microsite with updates and limited information while the airport works to restore its systems.

What works for travelers:

• Reserved parking space: Still available at ReserveSEA.org, but the QR code systems can be slow.
• SEA Spot Saver: Security checkpoint reservations are still available through the CLEAR Reserve website.
• TSA checkpoints: 93% of travellers passed through checkpoints in less than 30 minutes in July, with new screening lanes reducing waiting times.

Travel figures for Labor Day weekend:

SEA expects to handle nearly 600,000 passengers over the holiday weekend. The busiest days will be Monday, September 2 (193,000 passengers), followed by Friday, August 30 (187,000) and Thursday, August 29 (179,000). Despite the high volume, SEA does not expect to see the record-breaking passenger numbers of early summer.

Travelers are advised to plan ahead and arrive early, especially in the morning, as over a third of SEA’s daily passenger traffic arrives before 9 a.m.

Travel tips:

• Come early: Plan to be at the terminal at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
• Transport solutions: Use alternate transportation to avoid congestion or use the Lower Arrivals Drive to disembark during peak hours.
• Be prepared: Some airlines may experience delays in check-in due to technical issues. Travelers are therefore advised to allow extra time.

“Try alternate ways to get to the airport to avoid the congested roads,” said port spokesman Perry Cooper. “Use public transportation, airport parking, a taxi/limo, a rideshare, a scheduled bus, a door-to-door van or a shuttle. Think the other way around. If you can only drive to the curb, use Lower Arrivals Drive for drop-offs or Upper Departures Drive for pick-ups during rush hours. Or just use the faster lane – both lead to the same building!”

Authorities are working to assess and restore systems affected by the cyberattack, with passenger comfort and safety always being the highest priority.