Pipeline Leak Triggers Airline Prep for Seattle Jet Fuel Disruptions

(SEATAC, WASHINGTON) A shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline after a leak north of Seattle has forced airlines and officials to prepare for possible jet fuel shortages at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in late November 2025, raising concerns about flight schedules, passenger travel, and the wider regional economy.

The pipeline, operated by BP Pipelines North America, Inc., was shut down on November 11, 2025, after a leak was discovered during routine maintenance in Snohomish County, between Everett and Snohomish, according to company and state officials.

Role of the Olympic Pipeline and potential impacts

The Olympic Pipeline normally carries gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from refineries in northwest Washington to distribution terminals in Washington and Oregon. It is the primary source of jet fuel for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, one of the busiest hubs on the U.S. West Coast.

Because of that heavy dependence, even a short interruption has triggered extensive planning by airport authorities and airlines to avoid disruption for domestic travelers, international visitors, and foreign workers whose jobs rely on smooth airport operations.

Officials warn that if the pipeline remains offline, airport operations could be “significantly impacted” by the weekend of November 22–24, 2025, a key travel period that typically includes heavy domestic traffic and a surge of passengers with international connections.

So far, flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are operating normally, and both the Port of Seattle and airline partners stress that there have been no flight cancellations or schedule cuts tied to the fuel issue as of November 21, 2025. Still, planning continues for a more difficult scenario if deliveries cannot keep up with demand.

Emergency actions and trucking response

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson issued an emergency proclamation on November 20, 2025, waiving state rules on commercial truck driving hours for fuel transport to allow more fuel trucks to run longer shifts.

The measure is intended to buy time while repairs continue, but officials note that trucks alone cannot easily match the pipeline’s normal capacity. According to state estimates shared by airport stakeholders, fully replacing the Olympic Pipeline’s supply to the airport would require nearly 1,800 fuel truck trips per day—a number that highlights how difficult it would be to keep operations normal if the shutdown continues.

Important: The emergency proclamation on trucking hours will remain in place as long as needed, but officials stress that a safe restart of the pipeline is the most stable long-term solution.

BP response and repair efforts

BP said in a statement that:

“Olympic Pipeline is actively responding to a release of refined products east of Everett, Washington, working in close coordination with federal, state, tribal and local authorities.
Response crews have begun 24-hour excavation operations and are proceeding with excavation of the pipelines to allow for visual inspection. A timeline for restarting the pipeline is not available at this time.”

That lack of a clear restart date has increased concern across the aviation sector, particularly among airlines that use Seattle as a hub.

Airline contingency plans

Airlines have begun implementing contingency plans to protect operations at the airport. Alaska Airlines, a major carrier at Sea-Tac, said:

“We are working to mitigate a potential impact from the Olympic Pipeline fuel leak. We are not currently experiencing any disruption to our operation at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.”
“To ensure our scheduled service is maintained without significant disruption, we are preparing contingency plans…”

Key measures airlines are using:
– Tankering fuel on inbound flights (aircraft arrive with extra fuel so they need less refueling in Seattle).
– Assessing technical stop options (brief refueling stops at other airports if needed).
– Expanding trucking operations to bring additional jet fuel into the Seattle area from alternative supply points.

These tactics are common when fuel supplies tighten, but they can increase operational costs and complexity—especially during heavy holiday travel.

Contingency measures — quick reference table

Effects on travelers, immigration timing, and regional economy

Passengers are currently told their flights should operate as planned, but officials urge travelers to stay alert for possible last-minute adjustments.

There is particular concern about how disruptions could affect travelers tied to U.S. immigration timelines—those arriving to start jobs, attend school, or complete visa-related appointments. Extended delays or missed connections can complicate trips for non-U.S. citizens, especially when they face strict entry dates or onward travel tied to work or study commitments.

• Immigration lawyers advise that if major flight changes occur, affected travelers should keep careful records of tickets and airline communications to show they acted in good faith if travel-date questions arise.
• Analysis by VisaVerge.com notes that large airport disruptions in hub cities can ripple across international itineraries, making rebooking complex for travelers with limited visa windows.

Beyond aviation, the pipeline’s shutdown affects gasoline and diesel deliveries to distribution terminals across Washington and Oregon, with broader implications for local transport networks and daily life.

Coordination, monitoring, and next steps

State and local agencies are coordinating with federal partners—including energy and environmental regulators—while BP crews continue 24-hour repair and inspection work along the affected Snohomish County section.

The Port of Seattle is closely monitoring fuel levels and working with airlines, federal partners, and state agencies under the governor’s emergency proclamation to prioritize essential flights if necessary.

Authorities have not provided a detailed timeline for a full repair and safe restart of the Olympic Pipeline, leaving open the possibility of further delays if inspections find more extensive damage. That uncertainty complicates planning for airlines and airport-based businesses—ground handlers, caterers, shops, and restaurants—that depend on steady flight volumes.

Travelers seeking official guidance on air travel rights and disruptions can consult the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection page at transportation.gov/airconsumer, which explains rules on schedule changes, delays, and cancellations.

Key takeaways

• The Olympic Pipeline shut down on November 11, 2025, after a leak in Snohomish County; a restart timeline is not available.
• Replacing pipeline supply by truck would require nearly 1,800 trips per day, a difficult logistical challenge.
• Immediate measures (emergency trucking rules, airline contingencies) aim to prevent disruptions, but the situation could significantly impact operations during the November 22–24 travel weekend if the shutdown continues.
• Travelers—especially those on strict immigration timelines—should keep records and monitor airline notices for any last-minute changes.

For now, the priority across agencies and companies is to keep fuel flowing to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport while repairs continue and to maintain flexibility so both domestic and international passengers can move through the region with minimal interruption.