Transportation

Seattle Flights Stop to Refuel as Pipeline Leak Limits Jet Fuel

Workers repair the shutdown BP PLC Olympic Pipeline near Everett, Washington, on Nov. 21.
Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

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By Will Kubzansky and Allyson Versprille

November 24, 2025 at 9:43 PM UTC

Some flights leaving Seattle have been forced to add additional stops to refuel after a pipeline spill cut off jet fuel supply to the airport as it gears up for a surge in travel through the US Thanksgiving holiday.

Alaska Air Group Inc. on Monday expected about 12 flights to require so-called tech stops, during which planes touch down at an additional airport to refuel while passengers remain onboard, said Tricia Bruckbauer, an airline spokesperson.