Hawaiian Airlines Cyberattack Raises Data Concerns Amid IT Disruption

Hawaiian Airlines confirmed it is addressing a cybersecurity incident that disrupted some of its IT systems on Thursday in Honolulu, Hawaii. The airline, a subsidiary of Seattle-based Alaska Air Group, stated that it has engaged cybersecurity experts and appropriate authorities to investigate and mitigate the event. Although Hawaiian Airlines did not identify which systems were compromised, the language used in its public alert, referencing a “cybersecurity event” and an “orderly restoration,” suggests the potential involvement of ransomware or a significant IT breach. The airline emphasized that its flights are operating safely and on schedule.

The incident comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Hawaiian Airlines as it undergoes a complex integration process with Alaska Airlines and transitions its wide-body fleet. While the airline’s website and booking platforms remained functional as of Thursday afternoon, the lack of detail has raised concerns among passengers and industry observers about potential data exposure, particularly regarding reservations and payment processing systems. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed there has been no impact on operational safety. Travelers are advised to monitor their accounts, verify reservations, and watch for updates as the investigation continues.