Update: 3:00 p.m.
UPDATE: Another runway (16R) is now open… that makes 2 (of 3)! Airlines are working hard to get their aircrafts out safely. We appreciate all the teams assisting in these difficult conditions. As always, check with your airline before heading to the airport. pic.twitter.com/VijDS8kyQe
— Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) December 23, 2022
Update 11 a.m. – Alaska Airlines Statement:
WEATHER UPDATE: Multiple Sea-Tac Airport runways are closed due to unsafe conditions caused by wintry weather and are slowly reopening. All Alaska and Horizon flights in to and out of both Seattle are canceled until at least noon Pacific time and Alaska flights into and out of Portland through 6pm. Since midnight, we’ve canceled more than 270 flights scheduled to operate in Portland and Seattle and additional cancellations and delays are expected.
Due to very full flights over the next several days, it is likely to take multiple days to accommodate guests who need new flights. Our contact centers are experiencing long hold times as they try to help thousands of guests, and we’re working around the clock to reunite guests with their bags. We strongly encourage guests to reassess their travel plans due to limited availability.
Our teams are working hard to help every guest we can, and safety always comes first. The conditions in Portland and Seattle do not allow for safe operation of aircraft or ground equipment. Even as runways slowly open, it will take hours to return tarmac, ramp and aircraft conditions to a safe and usable state.
Capt. Bret Peyton, a 22-year Alaska pilot, explains what freezing rain is and why it’s so challenging to our operation. Read more here.
As you reassess your travel, we encourage you to use the Alaska app or alaskaair.com to take advantage of our flexible travel waivers: Seattle (SEA) and Portland (PDX), Midwest and Northeast airports.
Updated @ 8 AM PT on 12/23.
Update 10:40 a.m.:
We continue to keep the runway (16L) and adjoining taxiways clear as our snow crews de-ice and keep things safe. We’ve seen some action as airline operations trickle in and out. We will work on more runways as the weather warms and improves. Please check with airlines! pic.twitter.com/6EsyCIBS8K
— Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) December 23, 2022
Update 8:40 a.m.:
Our crews continue to work to clear the airfield of ice. Thanks to our team for keeping things safe at SEA! pic.twitter.com/E1Gkk8sHON
— Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) December 23, 2022
Update 7:45 a.m.:
One runway (16L) is now open after being de-iced. Limited operations will continue to be weather dependent as safety is always our main priority. Travelers should continue to monitor their flights and stay in touch with your airlines. 6:57am pic.twitter.com/vcOiDt8H60
— Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) December 23, 2022
Original Post:
An ice storm in Seattle, separate from the other big storm hitting the Midwest and East – is causing major problems in that region for travel. In fact, Seattle airport is essentially closed on what was supposed to be the big travel day.
ABC News’s Alex Stone reports that the runways at Seattle s SEA-TAC airport are closed indefinitely. People are being told if they can go somewhere else they might as well go instead of camping out at the airport.
The region’s big airlines, Alaska Airlines, has cancelled all flights in and out of Seattle and Portland at least through midday Friday. Many of Alaska’s flights go through those two cities.
Seattle now has more cancelled flights than any other city in the world today. Some people may have no feasible way to fly out of Seattle before Christmas.
SEA runways are currently closed indefinitely as we continue to work to de-ice the surfaces. Safety is our priority before we can reopen the runways. Check with your airline for further updates on your specific flight. 5:10am pic.twitter.com/X6WWaLHlyM
— Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) December 23, 2022
*Photo courtesy of the Port of Seattle
