Pipeline Leak Cuts Fuel to Sea-Tac, Portland

Airlines launch contingency plans for the West Coast airports.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, November 24, 2025 at 04:17 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Alaska Airlines jets at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. [Credit: Flickr]

Key Takeaways:

The Olympic Pipeline, a vital source of jet fuel for major West Coast airports like Seattle-Tacoma (KSEA) and Portland (KPDX), has been shut down due to a leak.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared an emergency to temporarily waive driving hour limits for commercial jet fuel transporters, ensuring continued supply to Seattle-Tacoma Airport.
Airlines and airports have implemented contingency plans, including trucking and tankering fuel, which have largely prevented significant travel disruptions.
Portland International Airport (KPDX) has an alternative option to barge in jet fuel, contributing to its lack of operational disruption.

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The ability to pivot is essential in the aviation industry, especially if you are operating an airline or an airport. This can mean finding alternative ways to get jet fuel to the fleet if the normal means are shut down temporarily.

Last week airports and airlines on the West Coast learned of a leak in the Olympic Pipeline, which is operated by BP Pipelines North America. The pipeline is a 400-mile system that runs from Whatcom County, Washington, down to Portland, Oregon, and is used to transport refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.