Full Breakdown
Disruptions at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Due to Microsoft Azure Outage
10/30/2025, 1:36:40 AM
Overview of the Outage
On October 29, 2025, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines faced significant disruptions to their operations due to a global outage of Microsoft Azure, the cloud computing platform hosting key services for both airlines. The outage began around 9 a.m. PST, affecting the airlines' websites and online check-in systems, leading to widespread inconvenience for travelers. Passengers were advised to seek assistance from airport agents for boarding passes, as online services remained inaccessible.
Impact on Airline Operations
The outage has compounded existing challenges for Alaska Airlines, which had recently experienced another IT failure just a week prior, resulting in the cancellation of over 400 flights and affecting approximately 49,000 passengers. This latest incident has left travelers frustrated, with reports of long lines and delays at airports, particularly at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). One traveler expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “Nothing’s working, even their apps aren’t working... we’re not getting anywhere.”
Microsoft’s Response
Microsoft acknowledged that the outage was triggered by an inadvertent configuration change within Azure's infrastructure. The company reported that it had initiated the deployment of a "last known good" configuration to restore services, with expectations for full recovery within hours. As of the latest updates, users began to see signs of recovery, although some services remained intermittently unavailable.
Hawaiian Airlines' Transition
In addition to the operational disruptions, Hawaiian Airlines marked a significant transition on the same day by retiring its iconic "HA" callsign after 96 years of service. The final flights under this identifier departed from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport, symbolizing the end of an era as Hawaiian Airlines completes its merger with Alaska Airlines. The shift to Alaska Airlines' designators is intended to unify operations, though it carries emotional weight for many long-time employees and residents who associate the "HA" callsign with local pride and the spirit of aloha.
Criticism and Passenger Sentiment
Passengers expressed their disappointment regarding both the operational disruptions and the retirement of the "HA" callsign. Comments on social media reflected a sense of loss, with one user lamenting, “So sad. I enjoyed a few flights on Hawaiian Airlines, all very enjoyable.” This sentiment underscores the emotional connection many have with the airline's legacy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Microsoft has indicated that recovery efforts are underway, the timeline for complete restoration remains uncertain. Some reports suggest that while certain services are improving, others may still experience issues. The full extent of the impact on both airlines and their passengers is still being assessed.
What's Next
As Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines work to stabilize their systems, further updates are anticipated regarding the resolution of the outage and its implications for future operations. Both airlines have committed to keeping passengers informed as they navigate this challenging situation.
