Japan Airlines (JAL) announced that its systems are back up and running following a cyberattack earlier in the day that caused disruptions to both domestic and international flights. As part of the recovery, same-day ticket sales, which were temporarily halted, have resumed.
What Happened?
The cyberattack began at 7:24 a.m. local time, affecting both JAL’s internal and external systems. A malfunctioning router was identified as the root cause. To contain the problem, JAL temporarily shut down the affected system. Thankfully, the airline confirmed that no personal data was leaked and that the incident did not involve any computer viruses.
JAL acted quickly to address the issue, restoring its systems and minimizing disruptions. While the airline hasn’t revealed the exact number of delays caused, passengers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses before heading to the airport.
How Did Other Airlines Fare?
ANA Holdings, JAL’s major competitor in Japan, reported that its systems were unaffected by the attack. Meanwhile, across the Pacific, American Airlines faced a technical glitch just days earlier, grounding flights for an hour on Christmas Eve and disrupting travel for thousands.
These incidents underline the growing vulnerabilities in aviation systems, as both cyberattacks and technical glitches become more frequent. While JAL successfully avoided more severe consequences this time, the event highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the airline industry.
Passengers can breathe a sigh of relief as operations return to normal, but it’s a timely reminder of the challenges airlines face in ensuring seamless and secure travel.