As millions of travelers prepare to reunite with family and celebrate the New Year, Japan Airlines (JAL) encountered a cyberattack on Thursday that disrupted over 20 domestic flights, causing delays and frustration at airports across the country.
The incident began on Thursday morning when JAL’s network connecting internal and external systems malfunctioned. The airline quickly identified the cause as a deliberate attack aimed at overwhelming their network with massive data transmissions—a tactic known as a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.
Television footage captured scenes of crowded terminals at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, where passengers were left waiting amid the year-end holiday rush. With offices closing for the New Year’s holidays—the most significant celebration in Japan—millions are embarking on journeys back to their hometowns, amplifying the impact of the delays.
JAL reported that as of late morning, 24 domestic flights experienced delays exceeding 30 minutes. Ticket sales for both domestic and international flights scheduled for departure on Thursday were temporarily suspended but resumed several hours later. The airline assured passengers that there was no impact on flight safety, and no customer data was compromised during the attack.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi addressed the issue during a regular news conference, stating that the transport ministry has urged JAL to expedite system restoration efforts and assist affected passengers.
This cyberattack has raised renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Japan’s cybersecurity infrastructure. Experts have repeatedly highlighted the need for stronger defenses, especially as the nation enhances its technological capabilities. While Japan has implemented measures to bolster cybersecurity, specialists warn that further action is necessary to protect critical systems.
In June, Japan’s space agency announced it had faced a series of cyberattacks since the beginning of 2023. Although sensitive information related to rockets, satellites, and defense remained secure, the incidents prompted investigations and preventive measures. Last year, a cyberattack crippled operations at a container terminal in Nagoya for three days, underscoring the potential impact on Japan’s economy and global trade.
Other Japanese airlines, including ANA Holdings, Skymark, and Starflyer, reported no effects from the attack on JAL.
As the New Year approaches, travelers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and remain vigilant about potential disruptions.
Reference(s):
Japan Airlines hit by hacks, delaying flights during year-end season
cgtn.com
