Japan Airlines (JAL), the country’s second-largest airline, faced a significant cyber attack on Thursday morning, disrupting its operations and causing widespread inconvenience to passengers. The attack occurred at approximately 8:56 am local time and left the airline’s system in disarray.
As a result of the breach, ticket sales for both domestic and international flights have been temporarily suspended. According to airline officials, at least nine domestic flights have already been delayed, and the number is expected to rise as the situation develops.
Impact on Operations
The cyber attack has affected JAL’s ability to manage ticket bookings, flight schedules, and other essential services. Passengers attempting to book tickets or check flight statuses have been met with system outages. The airline has expressed its regret over the disruptions caused and is working diligently to restore normalcy.
“Domestic and international services have been impacted. We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers,” said a JAL spokesperson.
Efforts to Resolve the Crisis
The airline has assured customers that all possible efforts are being made to resolve the issue. “We are working on a war footing to fix the system and closely monitoring the recovery process,” added the spokesperson.
JAL has yet to confirm the origin of the attack, but cybersecurity experts are expected to investigate the breach. The airline has advised passengers to stay updated through its official channels for information on flight schedules and ticket sales.
Flight Delays and Passenger Impact
At least nine domestic flights have been delayed due to the attack, and international operations have also been affected. Passengers at airports across Japan have reported long wait times and confusion as staff scramble to address the fallout.
Rising Concerns Over Cybersecurity
This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure, especially in the aviation industry. Airlines worldwide have become increasingly vulnerable to such attacks, which can disrupt not only operations but also customer data security.
The airline has not provided a timeline for full recovery but remains committed to minimizing disruptions.
Passenger Advisory
Passengers scheduled to travel with JAL are advised to monitor the airline’s official website and social media channels for updates. Travelers are also encouraged to contact customer service for further assistance.
This cyber attack serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in ensuring the safety and reliability of essential services like air travel.