Hawaiian Airlines hit by cyberattack, flights remain operational
▼ Summary
– Hawaiian Airlines is investigating a cyberattack that disrupted some IT systems but confirmed flight safety and operations remain unaffected.
– The airline, with 7,000 employees and 235 daily flights, has contacted authorities and hired cybersecurity experts to assess and restore systems.
– The incident has not impacted travel, as stated on both Hawaiian Airlines’ and Alaska Airlines’ websites (Hawaiian was acquired by Alaska Air Group).
– The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed no safety impact, but the attack’s nature (ransomware or breach containment) remains unclear.
– This follows a similar cyberattack on Canada’s WestJet in June, which also involved third-party experts and law enforcement collaboration.
Hawaiian Airlines continues normal operations despite ongoing cybersecurity investigation after detecting unauthorized access to certain IT systems. The carrier maintains all flights are operating safely while working with authorities and cybersecurity specialists to assess the situation.
As Hawaii’s largest and longest-serving airline, Hawaiian Airlines operates an extensive network with daily flights to major U.S. cities and international destinations across Asia and the Pacific. The company confirmed the incident has not compromised flight safety or disrupted travel plans for passengers.
In an official statement, the airline emphasized its commitment to protecting customer and employee data while restoring affected systems. “We immediately initiated response protocols, including engaging cybersecurity experts and notifying appropriate authorities,” a spokesperson said. Travelers can still access booking services, though some backend systems remain under evaluation.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed no operational disruptions, stating it continues to monitor the situation alongside the airline. While the exact nature of the breach remains undisclosed, industry experts speculate whether ransomware or another cyber threat caused the intrusion. No hacker groups have publicly claimed responsibility so far.
This incident follows a recent cyberattack on Canadian carrier WestJet, which faced app and website outages last month. Like Hawaiian Airlines, WestJet brought in forensic teams and law enforcement to investigate while maintaining flight schedules.
Passengers are advised to check the airline’s website for updates, though no changes to existing bookings have been reported. Hawaiian Airlines, now part of Alaska Air Group following last year’s acquisition, reassures customers that proactive measures are in place to prevent further issues.
Cybersecurity remains a growing concern for airlines worldwide, with attacks increasingly targeting critical travel infrastructure. Hawaiian Airlines joins a list of carriers reinforcing digital defenses while ensuring uninterrupted service for travelers.
(Source: BLEEPINGCOMPUTER)
