Key Takeaways
• On June 26, 2025, Hawaiian Airlines announced a cyberattack affecting some IT systems but maintained safe flight operations.
• No data breaches or ransom demands reported; FAA confirmed no impact on flight safety during the investigation.
• Passengers experienced temporary booking glitches; Hawaiian Airlines collaborates with cybersecurity experts and federal authorities.
On June 26, 2025, Hawaiian Airlines publicly announced that it had experienced a cyberattack affecting some of its IT systems. the airline, which operates over 200 daily flights and serves more than 10 million passengers each year, assured the public that all flights were running safely and on schedule. This news comes at a time when the aviation industry is facing increasing threats from cybercriminals, raising concerns about the safety and security of both travelers and airline operations.
What Happened and How It Was Handled
Hawaiian Airlines, now part of Alaska Air Group after a 2024 acquisition, discovered the cybersecurity incident and quickly informed the public through updates on its website and statements to news outlets. The airline did not share specific details about the type of cyberattack, such as whether it was ransomware or another form of hacking. No group has claimed responsibility, and there have been no reports of ransom demands or confirmed data breaches.
Despite the attack, the airline’s main operations—including flight schedules, check-in, and booking—remained functional for most customers. Some users did report temporary problems with the reservation system, but these did not stop people from booking flights or checking in for their journeys.
Immediate Response and Ongoing Investigation
Hawaiian Airlines moved fast to address the situation. The company brought in outside cybersecurity experts and began working closely with federal authorities to investigate the incident and restore affected systems. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the cyberattack had no impact on flight safety and that it was monitoring the situation closely.
The airline’s leadership emphasized that the safety and security of guests and employees is their highest priority. They stated, “We have taken steps to safeguard our operations, and our flights are operating safely and as scheduled.” Hawaiian Airlines also promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Customer Impact: What Travelers Need to Know
For travelers, the most important news is that flights are running normally. There have been no cancellations or major delays linked to the cyberattack. The airline has not found any evidence that customer data has been stolen or misused, and it has not advised customers to take any special steps to protect their information at this time.
However, some customers did experience short-term glitches when trying to manage reservations or access their HawaiianMiles loyalty accounts. These issues were mostly resolved quickly, but they highlight how dependent airlines are on their IT systems.
Practical Steps for Affected Customers
If you are a Hawaiian Airlines customer and are concerned about the cyberattack, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Check Your Flight Status: Use the Hawaiian Airlines official website or mobile app to confirm your flight details and check-in status.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your HawaiianMiles account and your credit card statements for any unusual activity.
- Contact Customer Service: If you have trouble booking or managing your reservation, reach out to Hawaiian Airlines through their official website or customer service phone numbers.
- Stay Updated: Watch for official updates from Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines about the restoration of services and any new developments.
Industry Context: A Growing Threat
This incident is not unique to Hawaiian Airlines. In recent months, several airlines and airports have faced similar cyberattacks:
- WestJet (June 2025): A cyberattack disrupted internal systems and made it hard for customers to use the airline’s app and website.
- Japan Airlines (December 2024): A cyberattack caused system failures, leading to delays and a temporary halt in ticket sales.
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (August 2024): A ransomware attack caused major disruptions.
These events show that the aviation industry is a target for cybercriminals. Airlines rely on complex, interconnected IT systems to manage everything from flight schedules to customer data. When these systems are attacked, the effects can be wide-reaching, even if flights continue to operate.
Why Airlines Are Vulnerable
Airlines like Hawaiian Airlines use many different computer systems to handle reservations, check-ins, baggage, and more. Some of these systems are older and may not have the latest security protections. When airlines merge or are acquired, as happened when Alaska Air Group bought Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, they often have to combine different IT systems. This process can create new risks if not managed carefully.
Cybersecurity experts say that the lack of detail about the Hawaiian Airlines attack suggests the investigation is ongoing, or that the airline wants to avoid sharing information that could help hackers. Bringing in outside experts is a common step to help contain the problem and fix any weaknesses.
The Role of Federal Authorities
The FAA, which oversees airline safety in the United States 🇺🇸, has confirmed that the cyberattack did not affect flight safety. The agency is monitoring the situation and working with the airline to make sure all safety standards are met. This kind of oversight is important to reassure the public that flying remains safe, even when airlines face technical problems.
Communication and Transparency
One of the biggest challenges during a cyberattack is keeping customers informed without causing panic. Hawaiian Airlines has posted alerts on its own website and on Alaska Airlines’ website, reflecting the close connection between the two companies after the acquisition. The airline has promised to share more information as soon as it is available.
Some customers have reported confusion and frustration, especially when they could not access their reservations or loyalty accounts. This shows how important clear and timely communication is during IT disruptions.
Financial and Operational Background
Hawaiian Airlines is a major player in the aviation industry, with:
- Over 7,400 employees
- More than 60 aircraft in its fleet
- Over 200 daily flights
- Annual revenue of $2.7 billion in 2023
- Main hub at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu
The airline’s strong operational record and large customer base make it a tempting target for cybercriminals. However, its size and resources also mean it can respond quickly to incidents and work with experts to fix problems.
Policy Implications: What This Means for the Industry
The cyberattack on Hawaiian Airlines is part of a larger trend affecting the aviation sector. As airlines become more digital, they face new risks from hackers and cybercriminals. This incident may push airlines to:
- Modernize IT Systems: Replace old computer systems with newer, more secure ones.
- Consolidate Platforms: Combine different systems after mergers to reduce weak spots.
- Increase Cybersecurity Spending: Invest more in protecting customer data and flight operations.
- Work Closely with Authorities: Collaborate with federal agencies like the FAA and cybersecurity experts.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these steps are becoming standard across the industry as airlines try to stay ahead of cyber threats.
Customer Experience: The Human Side
While the technical details of a cyberattack can seem far removed from everyday travel, the effects are often felt by real people. Even small glitches in reservation systems can cause stress for travelers, especially those with tight schedules or important connections.
For immigrants, international students, and others who rely on Hawaiian Airlines for travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and the Pacific region, any disruption can have serious consequences. Missing a flight could mean missing a visa appointment, a family reunion, or the start of a new job or school term.
Lessons Learned and Next Steps
The Hawaiian Airlines cyberattack shows that even large, well-run airlines are not immune to digital threats. The key lessons for travelers and the industry include:
- Stay Informed: Always check for the latest updates from your airline before traveling.
- Protect Your Data: Use strong passwords for airline accounts and monitor your financial statements.
- Be Patient: Understand that airlines may need time to fix technical problems, especially during a cyberattack.
- Demand Transparency: Airlines should communicate clearly and honestly about what is happening and what customers need to do.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Hawaiian Airlines and the Industry
The investigation into the Hawaiian Airlines cyberattack is still ongoing. The airline has promised to share more information as soon as it is available. In the meantime, efforts to restore all affected systems continue, with help from cybersecurity experts and federal authorities.
This incident may speed up the process of moving Hawaiian Airlines’ IT systems onto Alaska Air Group’s platforms, which are expected to have stronger security protections. The aviation industry as a whole is likely to invest more in cybersecurity, work more closely with government agencies, and share information about threats and best practices.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you need more information or help with your Hawaiian Airlines booking, you can:
- Visit the Hawaiian Airlines official website for the latest updates and to manage your reservation.
- Contact customer service through the numbers and options listed on the website.
- Check the Federal Aviation Administration’s website for regulatory updates and safety information.
Conclusion: Staying Safe in a Digital World
The recent cyberattack on Hawaiian Airlines is a reminder that even trusted companies can face digital threats. The good news is that flights are running safely, and there is no evidence that customer data has been stolen. By staying informed, protecting your accounts, and following official advice, you can travel with confidence—even in a world where cyberattacks are becoming more common.
As the investigation continues, Hawaiian Airlines and the wider aviation industry will likely take more steps to protect travelers and keep flights running smoothly. For now, the most important thing for customers is to keep checking for updates, monitor their accounts, and reach out to the airline if they have any concerns.
For more information on airline safety and cybersecurity, you can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection page, which offers helpful resources for travelers.
By understanding the risks and knowing what to do, travelers can help protect themselves and ensure that their journeys remain safe and stress-free, even in the face of new digital challenges.
Learn Today
Cyberattack → An unauthorized attempt to access or damage computer systems and data, like hacking or ransomware incidents.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing aviation safety and operations.
Ransomware → Malicious software that locks computer systems or data, demanding payment to restore access.
HawaiianMiles → Loyalty program by Hawaiian Airlines allowing passengers to earn and redeem miles for travel rewards.
Alaska Air Group → Parent company that acquired Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, integrating operations and IT systems.
This Article in a Nutshell
Hawaiian Airlines faced a cyberattack on June 26, 2025, affecting IT systems but keeping flights safe and on schedule. While some booking glitches occurred, no data breaches or ransom demands were reported. The airline works with experts and the FAA to investigate, reassuring passengers their security remains a priority.
— By VisaVerge.com
