Hawaiian Airlines suffers cyberattack – Flights continue

Hawaiian Airlines , the tenth largest airline in the United States, confirmed that it has launched an investigation into a cyberattack that affected access to some of its internal systems . Although the incident has not affected flight safety , the company took immediate measures to address it, mobilizing cybersecurity experts and notifying the relevant authorities.

With a fleet of over 60 aircraft and more than 230 daily flights, Hawaiian Airlines plays a pivotal role in connecting Hawaii with destinations in the U.S., Asia and the Pacific. According to an official statement, the company prioritizes the safety of passengers and staff, while noting that flights continue to operate as normal.

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"We are dealing with an incident that has affected part of IT infrastructure . We have put protective measures in place, while we are working with experts and authorities to ensure full restoration," the company said.

While no technical details have been revealed about the nature of the attack – such as whether it was ransomware or some other form of breach– no known cybercrime group has claimed responsibility so far.

The incident was also posted on the website of Alaska Airlines, the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to Reuters that the airline was operating safely and was closely monitoring the situation.

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The attack comes just days after a similar incident at WestJet, Canada's second-largest airline. The attack crippled the airline's digital services, preventing customers from accessing its website and mobile app.

Protection: Technology, education and transparency

Protection against cyberattacks in the aviation sector is essential and requires a multi-layered approach:

• Investments in cutting-edge cyber defense: Development of strong firewalls, threat detection through AI, data encryption and continuous network monitoring.
• Staff training: The human factor is often the weakest link. Training in phishing, password management, and incident response is essential.
• Regulatory compliance and transparency: Companies must comply with international cybersecurity regulations and maintain a transparent notification policy in cases of breaches.
• Collaboration with authorities and other companies: Sharing information about threats and vulnerabilities strengthens collective defense.

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As digital transformation continues at a rapid pace, airlines must address cybersecurity as a critical issue. It is not just a matter of technology, but of trust and survival. Protecting their networks is not a luxury — it is a prerequisite for safe, reliable and transparent air travel.

Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com