Japan Airlines (JAL), the nation’s second-largest airline, reported a significant cyberattack on its systems early Thursday morning, causing disruptions to both domestic and international flight operations.
The attack, which began at 7:24 AM local time (2224 GMT), targeted the airline’s internal and external network equipment, leading to system malfunctions that have impacted communication and operational processes.
In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), JAL confirmed the breach, stating, “We have been under cyberattack on our internal and external network devices, causing problems with the systems that communicate with external systems.
We expect this to affect both domestic and international flights.” The airline apologized for the inconvenience caused to passengers and assured that efforts were underway to address the issue.
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As of now, nine flights have been delayed due to the system failures, with further disruptions anticipated. A spokesperson for JAL acknowledged the possibility of additional delays or cancellations but refrained from providing specific details on the extent of the impact.
This incident highlights growing cybersecurity threats in Japan’s aviation sector. JAL joins a list of other Japanese companies that have recently faced cyberattacks.
In 2022, a similar attack disrupted operations at a Toyota supplier, halting production at domestic plants for an entire day. More recently, in June 2024, the video-sharing platform Niconico suspended its services due to a large-scale cyberattack.
JAL’s cyberattack also mirrors global trends of increasing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure sectors. The aviation industry has been particularly susceptible to such threats, given its reliance on interconnected digital systems for operations ranging from ticketing to baggage handling.
The airline has not disclosed details about the perpetrators or the nature of the attack but emphasized that it is working closely with cybersecurity experts and authorities to resolve the issue. Experts warn that such attacks could compromise sensitive data or disrupt essential services if not swiftly addressed.
Passengers are advised to check JAL’s official website or contact customer service for updates on flight schedules and potential delays. The airline has assured travelers that it will provide real-time updates as more information becomes available.
Japan Airlines has been a cornerstone of Japan’s aviation industry since its establishment in 1951. With a fleet serving over 90 destinations worldwide, it remains one of the country’s most prominent carriers.
As investigations continue, this cyberattack serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by critical industries in an increasingly digital world.
