Airlines operating at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) may face disruptions following a reported leak in a pipeline that supplies the airport with jet fuel. Governor Bob Ferguson has issued an emergency proclamation, warning that the airport could experience significant impacts if the pipeline is not restored by Saturday evening, November 22, 2025.
The news comes as travelers and the airline industry prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, a period that is typically very busy and often sees disruptions due to the high volume of passengers.
Emergency Declared After Olympic Pipeline Shutdown
According to Governor Ferguson, the Olympic Pipeline was shut down on November 11, 2025, after a fuel leak was discovered in Snohomish County, east of Everett. This led to the suspension of normal pipeline operations. 
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport relies directly on jet fuel deliveries from the Olympic Pipeline.
The governor added that the airport has implemented operational adjustments to incoming flights as of November 12, 2025. According to the governor, operations will be significantly affected. Simple Flying has requested a comment from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. In the proclamation, Ferguson added:
“The potential for significant disruption to fuel supply for transportation, emergency response, and aviation operations constitutes a threat to life, health, property, and economic stability of the people of Washington State, and constitutes a public emergency necessitating immediate action.”
Alaska Airlines Prepares For Potential Fuel Disruptions
According to a report by Komo News, 
Alaska Airlines, the largest carrier at SEA airport, said it is preparing for the possibility of fuel delivery disruptions, but added that current operations at SEA are not being affected.
In a statement to Komo News, the airline’s spokesperson said that “to ensure our scheduled service is maintained without significant disruption, we are preparing contingency plans,” and that “these include fuel-management strategies such as tankering fuel on inbound flights to Seattle, assessing technical stop options along certain routes to conserve fuel, and maintaining and expanding our trucking operations to bring in additional fuel supply.”
The carrier also stated that it is maintaining active communication with Olympic Pipeline, refineries, and airport partners, and will provide updates if any operational impacts arise.
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TSA Gears Up For Busy Thanksgiving Travel
Thanksgiving is the busiest travel holiday of the year, surpassing others such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for the busy holiday season. These preparations come in the wake of the recently ended longest federal government shutdown in history, providing some relief to the airline industry, which had been feeling the strain from staffing shortages, canceled flights, and mandatory flight reductions.
In an interview with CBS News, TSA Chief of Staff Adam Stahl shared insights on how the TSA workforce managed the challenges during the government shutdown, when employees had to work without pay. Earlier, analysts suggested that the difficulties caused by the shutdown could lead to continued delays through the Thanksgiving holiday. However, Stahl believes that by the time most people begin traveling, the TSA will be prepared.
A new AAA forecast predicts that a record 81.8 million Americans will travel over the Thanksgiving holiday, with roughly 90% expected to drive to their destinations. Even with the disruptions to air travel caused by the longest government shutdown in US history, which ended on November 12, 2025, AAA forecasts that around 6.1 million Americans will fly during Thanksgiving week, a 2% increase from last year. However, that number could be slightly lower if some air travelers change their plans in response to recent flight cancellations. Stahl added that TSA is “really confident going into a busy Thanksgiving travel season. Our folks have showcased incredible dedication, resilience, and professionalism. We are really laser-focused on this busy travel season. We are ready.”
