Travelers across the U.S. were caught off guard as the FAA ground stop Alaska Airlines affected all mainline flights on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Within hours, travelers and aviation watchers scrambled for answers as airports from coast to coast were impacted.
What Happened During the FAA Ground Stop Alaska Airlines?
At approximately 8 p.m. Pacific Time, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop at the request of Alaska Airlines. This halt applied to all mainline Alaska Airlines flights and was quickly confirmed by several air traffic control advisories. The reason cited was a sudden IT outage, disrupting key operational systems and forcing the airline to temporarily suspend departures nationwide.
Key Facts:
- All Alaska Airlines mainline aircraft were affected.
- Horizon Air, the regional partner, also experienced interruptions.
- The ground stop started just after 8 p.m. PT and lasted several hours.
- More than 200 flights and tens of thousands of passengers were impacted.
FAA Alaska Airlines Ground Stop: Latest Developments and What Travelers Need to Know
FAA Ground Stop Alaska Airlines: Current Status and Impact
By early Monday morning, Alaska Airlines announced that the ground stop had been lifted. Operations resumed, though delays and cancellations persisted well into the day as crews worked to clear backlogs and reposition aircraft. The FAA confirmed the cancellation of the ground stop at around 11 p.m. local time.
Key points for travelers:
- Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
- Rebooking and updates are available via the Alaska Airlines app and website.
- Customer service lines may experience high wait times due to residual disruptions.
| Event | Time (Local) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| IT Outage Detected | ~8:00 p.m. | All flights grounded |
| Ground Stop Issued | ~8:50 p.m. | Nationwide, all airports |
| Ground Stop Lifted | ~11:00 p.m. | Flights gradually resumed |
Lessons from the FAA Ground Stop Alaska Airlines
Major IT failures can ripple through the entire travel ecosystem, grounding planes and stranding passengers without warning. This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of robust backup systems and transparent airline communications.
Were you impacted by the FAA ground stop Alaska Airlines? Share your experience in the comments below or stay tuned here for the latest travel updates.