Hawaiian Airlines, America’s tenth-largest commercial carrier, is currently investigating a cyberattack that has compromised some of its information technology systems. The airline, which operates over 235 daily flights with a fleet of more than 60 aircraft, serves as a crucial link between Hawaii and 15 mainland U.S. cities, plus 10 destinations across Asia and the Pacific.
## Attack Details and Response
The airline discovered the cybersecurity incident and immediately took action to contain the breach. In an official statement released Thursday morning, Hawaiian Airlines emphasized that flight safety remains uncompromised and all operations continue normally.
“Hawaiian Airlines is addressing a cybersecurity event that has affected some of our IT systems,” the company stated. “Our highest priority is the safety and security of our guests and employees. We have taken steps to safeguard our operations, and our flights are operating safely and as scheduled.”
The airline has engaged external cybersecurity experts to assess the attack’s scope and assist in system restoration. Federal authorities have also been notified to support the investigation efforts.
## No Flight Disruptions
Both Hawaiian Airlines’ website and Alaska Airlines’ site—Hawaiian’s parent company following last year’s acquisition—display alerts confirming that flights remain unaffected. The Federal Aviation Administration has also confirmed there are no safety impacts, stating they are monitoring the situation closely.
## Unknown Attack Type
The specific nature of the cyberattack remains unclear. Hawaiian Airlines has not disclosed whether this was a ransomware attack that encrypted their systems or if systems were proactively shut down to prevent further damage. No ransomware groups have claimed responsibility for the incident.
## Industry Pattern
This attack follows a similar incident that struck WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, in June. That cyberattack disrupted customer access to WestJet’s mobile app and website, highlighting the aviation industry’s growing vulnerability to cyber threats.
Like Hawaiian Airlines, WestJet engaged forensic experts and law enforcement to investigate their breach and meet regulatory requirements.
## Current Status
Hawaiian Airlines continues working toward full system restoration while maintaining normal flight operations. The company has committed to providing updates as more information becomes available through their ongoing investigation.
The incident underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity in the aviation sector, where operational continuity and passenger safety are paramount concerns.