Global Microsoft Azure Outage Hits Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines, Causes Delays

URGENT UPDATE: A significant global outage of the Microsoft Azure platform has caused widespread operational disruptions for both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines earlier today, October 23, 2023. Travelers across multiple airports are facing substantial delays due to the failure of critical systems, including websites and online check-in services.

Passengers attempting to check in online are now experiencing extreme wait times, forcing airlines to revert to manual processes at airport gates. Alaska Airlines confirmed the outage on their social media platforms, notifying travelers of the ongoing digital hurdles and providing guidance for securing boarding passes in person.

According to a report from KHON2, affected travelers are being directed to approach gate agents directly, while the airlines caution about potential delays in airport lobbies. This situation is causing widespread frustration, and passengers are urged to account for these disruptions when planning their arrivals at the airport.

In a transparent move during this technical crisis, Alaska Airlines issued a statement that reads, “We are currently experiencing a disruption to our key systems, including our websites.” The airline has publicly apologized for the inconvenience, asking for patience as they work through the technical challenges.

Efforts are ongoing to resolve the outage, with teams reportedly working diligently to restore full operational capabilities. However, specifics regarding the cause of the outage and an estimated timeline for resolution remain undisclosed.

As the situation evolves, travelers are advised to stay updated through airline communications and prepare for extended wait times as operations normalize. The impact of this outage extends beyond just Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, affecting numerous travelers and creating a ripple effect across various airport operations.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we monitor the situation closely.