Tokyo [Japan], December 26: Japan Airlines was subjected to a cyber attack on December 26, 2024, which affected the internal and external of its systems, resulting in delays of domestic and international flights.
The issue first appeared at 7:24 a.m. local time (2224 GMT). The cyber attack caused delays in JAL’s flight operations. Specifically, 24 domestic flights were delayed by more than 30 minutes, with the potential for further disruptions later in the day. The airline responded swiftly, shutting down a malfunctioning router to prevent further system malfunctions. As a precautionary measure, JAL also suspended ticket sales for all domestic and international flights scheduled to depart that day. This decision aimed to minimize disruptions and safeguard passenger safety.
The immediate impact of the attack was felt across JAL’s operations. Twenty-four domestic flights were delayed by more than 30 minutes, and further delays were anticipated as the day progressed. International flights were also affected, though the full extent of disruptions remained unclear.
JAL’s quick actions included isolating the compromised router and implementing enhanced monitoring of its network systems. The airline’s decision to halt ticket sales was a proactive step to prevent additional strain on its systems and provide clearer communication to passengers.
Japan’s other major air carrier, ANA Holdings, reported no signs of similar attacks on its systems, suggesting the incident was isolated to JAL. However, the incident has raised concerns about the cyber-security vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure within the aviation sector.
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