Seattle-Tacoma Airport Faces Fuel Shortage Amid Pipeline Leak
A leak in the Olympic Pipeline has led to a fuel shortage at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, prompting emergency measures to maintain operations.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is experiencing a significant fuel shortage following a leak in the Olympic Pipeline, which was discovered on November 11 near Everett, Washington. The 400-mile pipeline, operated by BP Pipelines North America, transports refined petroleum products, including jet fuel, from northern Washington to Oregon. The leak led to a shutdown of the pipeline, disrupting fuel supplies to SEA.
In response to the disruption, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency on November 19. The proclamation temporarily waives state regulations limiting the number of hours commercial vehicle operators can drive when transporting jet fuel, aiming to facilitate increased fuel deliveries to the airport. Governor Ferguson stated, "This declaration will help the airport maintain its fuel supply while the pipeline is offline and limit disruptions to travelers."
Despite these measures, some airlines have begun adjusting their operations. Taiwanese carriers EVA Air and Starlux Airlines have added refueling stops to their Taipei service out of Seattle, with EVA Air operating via Anchorage and Starlux via Portland. Alaska Airlines is preparing contingency plans, including tankering fuel on inbound flights and assessing technical stop options along certain routes to conserve fuel. Delta Air Lines is working with fuel supply partners to mitigate disruptions and has advised customers to check flight statuses before departing for the airport.
BP has initiated excavation and inspection efforts to identify the source of the leak but has not provided a timeline for when the pipeline will be operational again. The company stated, "Crews have safely excavated over 100 feet of pipeline but have not yet identified the source of the release. Excavation and inspection of the pipeline will continue overnight."
As the busy Thanksgiving travel period approaches, officials continue to monitor the situation closely to minimize disruptions to air travel.
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