Olympic Pipeline leak forces flight diversions as crews race to restore jet fuel supply

Olympic Pipeline leak disrupts flights

Flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) are being diverted for refueling because of a jet fuel pipeline leak on the Olympic Pipeline near Everett. Crews are working around the clock to repair the damage and restore normal fuel deliveries to the airport.

Emergency response and repairs

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson issued an emergency declaration to support the response to the leak and maintain fuel supplies. BP reports that around 200 feet of the pipeline have been excavated as teams search for and address the precise source of the leak. The affected system is part of a 400-mile network that transports gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to Sea-Tac and other locations in the region.

Impact on travelers and airlines

Because of the disruption, some long-haul flights are adding intermediate stops solely to refuel before continuing to their final destinations. Passengers describe plans being upended, including trips that now require extra landings at airports such as Pasco or Bozeman to take on fuel. Airlines have notified travelers about potential schedule changes while adjusting operations to cope with limited pipeline supply.

Temporary fuel supply measures

To compensate for the reduced pipeline capacity, officials have allowed extended driving hours for tanker truck drivers to move additional fuel by road. Airlines and airport operators are also “ferrying” more fuel into Sea-Tac by having inbound aircraft arrive with fuller tanks than usual. These steps aim to prevent widespread cancellations while repairs continue and full pipeline service is restored.

Author’s summary

A major leak on BP’s Olympic Pipeline near Everett has forced Sea-Tac flights to add refueling stops while emergency crews and officials rush to repair the line and stabilize jet fuel supplies.

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Yahoo Yahoo — 2025-11-25

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