Pipeline issue near Everett resolved after raising jet fuel concerns at SEA

A major pipeline that supplies jet fuel to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) suffered a “problem” Sunday that prompted fuel concerns for several airlines.

The Olympic Pipeline, located near Everett, had a crack, prompting worries about delays in fuel distribution. But, according to The Port of Seattle, the issue has been fixed.

“The pipeline was back to full operation yesterday. No operational impacts to flights,” Perry Cooper, the media and public affairs manager for The Port of Seattle, said. “Contingencies are part of operational plans as well as reserves on hand in the airport fuel farm.”

Before the fix Sunday, airlines operating at SEA received a warning, according to ABC News, that they may need to preserve their jet fuel due to the pipeline issue. Officials at SEA stated that the airport has an ample amount of fuel reserves and is not anticipating any significant impacts on Monday.

BP Oil, one of the owners and operators of the Olympic Pipeline, is investigating what caused this problem.

“The safety of personnel, the environment, and the community remain our highest priority,” BP Oil stated.

Aviation expert warns of post-shutdown travel turmoil

SEA has already been struggling with flight cancellations as cancellations are expected to persist across the U.S. even after the government shutdown ends.

Scott Hamilton, an aviation consultant with Leeham Company LLC, said airlines, accustomed to disruptions from weather, will likely get flights back on track within a few days of the government reopening.

Air traffic control operations are another matter. While many air traffic controllers have been calling in sick rather than work without pay during the shutdown, some have actually quit.

“I used to have about four controllers retire a day before the shutdown,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told CNN. “I’m now up to 15 to 20 a day are retiring.”

Due to safety concerns, Duffy has imposed flight restrictions at major U.S. airports, resulting in thousands of cancellations and delays.

“We have to understand from the government how quickly the staffing will get back up to the pre-shutdown level, and I’ve not seen any information about how long that will take,” Hamilton said. “And let’s remember that the control towers were understaffed to begin with.”

He points out that one air traffic controller was doing the job of two when a military helicopter collided with a passenger plane near Washington D.C. in January. And Newark Liberty International Airport has had a series of disruptions due to air traffic control shortages since last year.

Hamilton said if the federal government doesn’t believe air traffic control operations are adequately staffed, flight restrictions may continue.

If you still intend to fly, the airline passenger advocacy group Flyersrights.org recommends choosing trips with non-stop flights whenever possible. Book directly with airlines, because obtaining refunds or changing flights can be more challenging with third-party websites. And consider purchasing a refundable ticket on another airline as a backup.

Contributing: Heather Bosch, KIRO Newsradio

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