Alaska Airlines Overhauls Technology Following IT Outages, Assessing Passenger Impact And Future Protocols

Published on November 2, 2025

Resolved due to Alaska Airlines‘ recent service issues, Alaska Airlines is scheduled to execute a detailed tech audit which is due to commence soon. Alaska Airlines had a particularly strenuous week as its grounded flights lasted almost a full day, and due to a Microsoft Azure failure, Alaska was forced to barricade its website and app. Since then, passengers have routinely asked how technological issues are might affect their travels, coupled with any preemptive actions Alaska might take to solve these issues.

The Disruption: A Breakdown in Operations

On October 24, 2025, Alaska Airlines faced a major technology breakdown when an IT outage grounded its entire fleet for almost an entire day. The disruption affected over 400 flights and caused delays for nearly 50,000 passengers. Just a few days later, the airline’s website and mobile app encountered problems, linked to a global Microsoft Azure outage that compromised key systems crucial for customer services.

Passengers, who rely on the airline for both business and leisure travel, experienced confusion as they were unable to access flight updates or check in online. The situation raised concerns about the airline’s ability to manage such crises in the future, prompting Alaska Airlines to reassess its technological capabilities.

The Airline’s Response: Partnering with Accenture

In an effort to address these ongoing issues, Alaska Airlines has announced a partnership with global consulting firm Accenture. This collaboration aims to perform a thorough audit of Alaska Air Group’s technology systems. The audit will focus on assessing the health of the airline’s overall systems, including its standards, processes, and infrastructure. The aim is to ensure that all technological processes are aligned with the company’s mission to offer a more resilient and customer-centric operation.

Alaska Airlines has assured passengers that it will implement actionable recommendations swiftly to avoid future disruptions. This audit, which is expected to cover every facet of the airline’s technological environment, marks the beginning of a significant overhaul that could take time to yield noticeable results for customers.

What Will Happen Next: Impact on Future Travel?

Alaska Airlines has not yet specified when passengers can expect a full resolution of these IT issues, but the airline has committed to providing regular updates. It is expected that the technology audit will result in more robust systems, improved customer service channels, and reduced delays caused by technological failures.

While the immediate effects on passengers are evident, with cancelled flights and delayed services, Alaska Airlines has emphasised that this audit is essential for long-term improvements. The airline also plans to release an updated fourth-quarter forecast in early December 2025, which will account for the financial impact of the recent outages, including lost revenue from delayed or cancelled flights.

For frequent flyers, the hope is that the audit will not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance the overall guest experience. The ongoing collaboration with Accenture will focus on identifying system weaknesses, addressing them promptly, and ultimately delivering a smoother, more reliable experience for passengers.

What Are the Next Steps? Strengthening Technology Protocols

The airline’s commitment to a top-to-bottom review of its systems comes at a time when there is a greater focus on the role of technology in aviation. With the increased reliance on digital systems to handle bookings, check-ins, and customer interactions, it has become clear that airlines must invest in more resilient and fail-safe technological solutions.

One of the future protocols that may be implemented is the integration of backup systems for key services. For example, ensuring that passenger check-in systems can function seamlessly even during a system outage would prevent disruptions. Additionally, enhancing customer communication platforms to provide timely updates about flight status or service changes is essential.

Passenger expectations for smoother travel experiences are rising, and Alaska Airlines recognises the need to stay ahead of these demands. This overhaul could serve as a vital step in re-establishing trust and confidence among travellers.

Looking Ahead: Will Passengers See Immediate Improvements?

While passengers affected by the recent outages are understandably frustrated, Alaska Airlines is taking significant steps to prevent further disruptions. Though it will take time to assess the full impact of the technological audit, the hope is that future journeys will be less likely to face unexpected delays or cancellations.

With the airline’s commitment to implementing technological improvements and working closely with experts, passengers can expect a more reliable service in the future. Whether the changes will be enough to immediately restore confidence remains to be seen, but Alaska Airlines has taken the first crucial steps in securing a more resilient operation.

What Next?

To sum up, passengers have borne the brunt of the recent disruptions but Alaska Airlines has chosen to focus efforts on improving IT to avert future breakdowns. Alaska Airlines has proven to be responsive to the needs of their customers and their focus on improving IT means they are committed to improving the overall travel experience. All jet-setters have high hopes that travel in the future will be effortless bourne of the changes Alaska Airlines is set to implement.

Image Credit: Alaska Airlines