Seattle Declares Emergency to Secure Jet Fuel for Airport After Pipeline Leak Disrupts Supply

Published on November 21, 2025

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency to address a critical fuel supply issue affecting Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) following a leak that shut down a major pipeline supplying jet fuel to the airport. This emergency declaration aims to facilitate the transportation of jet fuel by temporarily waiving state regulations that limit the number of hours commercial vehicle operators can drive while transporting fuel.

The Olympic Pipeline, which is responsible for transporting petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to Washington and Oregon, was shut down on November 11, 2025. The shutdown occurred due to a leak north of Seattle, specifically between the cities of Everett and Snohomish, two areas located in the northwestern part of the state. The situation has prompted immediate action from state and federal agencies working together to address the problem. The pipeline’s closure is threatening the airport’s ability to maintain normal operations, as the airport depends on these supplies for fueling incoming flights and keeping operations running smoothly.

Temporary Suspension of Hours Limit for Commercial Drivers

To mitigate the effects of this pipeline shutdown, the Governor’s office issued an order that temporarily suspends state regulations governing the number of hours commercial vehicle operators are permitted to drive when transporting jet fuel. This declaration allows fuel suppliers to work around the clock, ensuring that fuel deliveries continue and making sure that Seattle-Tacoma International Airport does not run out of fuel.

The waiver aims to strike a balance between efficiency and safety, ensuring fuel deliveries can be made without violating safety standards for truck drivers. The release from the Governor’s office stated that “safe-driving measures will remain in place” to ensure that the suspension of regulations does not compromise road safety.

Olympic Pipeline: A Key Link in Fuel Supply for the Pacific Northwest

The Olympic Pipeline is crucial for the transportation of petroleum products in the Pacific Northwest. This 400-mile pipeline runs from northwest Washington, delivering fuel to terminals in Washington and Oregon. For the Seattle-Tacoma area, the pipeline is an essential component in the supply chain, as it provides jet fuel for one of the busiest airports in the country. It is the main source of jet fuel for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.

The pipeline delivers petroleum products from refineries, and its shutdown has left the airport with limited fuel supplies. The airport’s operations have been directly affected, leading airport officials to instruct incoming flights to refuel at their departure locations to ensure they have enough fuel to reach their destinations.

Uncertainty Surrounding the Resumption of the Pipeline’s Operations

As of now, there is no official timeline for when the Olympic Pipeline will resume normal operations. The Governor’s office indicated that if the pipeline does not return to service by Saturday, November 22, operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport could face significant disruptions, potentially affecting flight schedules and ground operations. However, specific details on how airport operations will be affected remain unclear.

While the leak is being contained, cleaned, and repaired by pipeline operators, the situation underscores the importance of having contingency plans in place for critical infrastructure. As fuel is delivered primarily through the Olympic Pipeline, any disruption to its service has immediate effects on airport operations and the broader transportation network in the region.

The Olympic Pipeline’s Role in the Region

The Olympic Pipeline, operated by BP Pipelines North America, Inc., plays a vital role in ensuring the Pacific Northwest has a steady supply of petroleum products. The pipeline transports various petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, from refineries in northwest Washington to terminals located in Washington and Oregon. It has long been the primary method for delivering petroleum to distribution terminals in the Pacific Northwest, which includes areas west of the Cascades.

The shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline has created a supply gap that could significantly impact fuel availability for the region, particularly for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. With the potential expiration of temporary mitigation strategies, such as the one in effect in Canada and Australia, this issue could compound in the coming months if the pipeline does not resume service quickly.

Implications for Airport Operations and Potential Future Risks

The current situation at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport highlights the vulnerability of the fuel supply chain in the Pacific Northwest. The airport has had to adapt by instructing incoming flights to fuel up before arrival, which could put additional strain on other airports in the region as they work to accommodate the increase in fuel needs.

The Olympic Pipeline issue is also a reminder of how crucial it is for the region to have reliable and consistent fuel supply routes. While temporary measures have been put in place to manage fuel deliveries, the uncertainty surrounding the resumption of normal operations could continue to pose risks for air travel in the region.

Table: Impact of Olympic Pipeline Shutdown on Fuel Supply and Airport Operations

Conclusion: Urging Action and Preparing for Contingencies

The state of emergency declared by Governor Bob Ferguson is a critical step in mitigating the impact of the Olympic Pipeline shutdown on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the broader Pacific Northwest region. While temporary measures are in place, the ultimate resolution of this issue depends on the pipeline’s swift restoration to normal operation.

For now, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is working closely with authorities and fuel suppliers to ensure that operations continue as smoothly as possible. However, with uncertainties regarding the timeline for repairs, airport officials and local governments must continue to monitor the situation closely and prepare for any potential disruptions to air travel.

For more information on the Olympic Pipeline situation and airport updates, visit the Governor’s Office of Washington website.