Hawaiian Airlines Reports Cybersecurity Event Affecting IT Systems; Flights Unaffected
Hawaiian Airlines confirmed on June 26, 2025, that it is actively responding to a cybersecurity incident impacting some of its information technology (IT) systems. The airline first reported the issue early in the morning, with a statement appearing on both the Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines websites alerting users to the situation.
Despite the disruption to some systems, Hawaiian Airlines has emphasized that flights are operating safely and on their regular schedules. Their primary concern remains the safety and security of both guests and employees. The airline stated that guest travel is not currently impacted by the event. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also monitoring the situation and has confirmed that the incident has not affected flight safety or operations.
Airline Response and Ongoing Efforts
Upon discovering the incident, Hawaiian Airlines promptly engaged relevant federal authorities and external cybersecurity experts. These parties are assisting with the investigation into the nature and scope of the event, as well as supporting remediation and restoration efforts. The airline is working towards an “orderly restoration” of the affected systems and remains in close contact with the assisting experts and authorities.
Concerns Arise Amidst Vague Details
While Hawaiian Airlines stated that flights are operating normally and booking capabilities appeared unaffected at the time of reporting, the airline has provided limited specific details about which IT systems have been impacted or if any passenger data has been compromised.
This lack of detailed information has led to concerns among travelers and observers about potential risks, including the exposure of sensitive passenger data (like passport details or credit card information) or potential future disruptions to critical systems like reservations, payment processing, or check-in, even though these have not been reported as affected so far. Past airline cyberattacks highlight the potential for widespread impact when core systems are compromised.
Context and Industry Vulnerability
This incident occurs during a notable period of transition for Hawaiian Airlines, including its ongoing integration with Alaska Airlines and fleet adjustments. It also follows a similar cybersecurity issue reported by Canadian airline WestJet Airlines approximately a week prior, underscoring the increasing cybersecurity risks facing the entire airline industry.
Airlines are prime targets for cybercriminals due to the vast amounts of sensitive personal and financial data they handle, their complex global operations, and sometimes reliance on older technology infrastructure.
Advice for Travelers with Upcoming Hawaiian Airlines Flights
Given the situation, travelers with upcoming Hawaiian Airlines itineraries are advised to remain vigilant:
Verify Your Reservation: Log in to your Hawaiian Airlines account or app and check the status of your booking. Consider saving or screenshotting your itinerary details.
Monitor Official Communications: Keep an eye on emails and notifications directly from Hawaiian Airlines. Check the official Hawaiian Airlines website for any updates or statements regarding the cyber event.
Prepare for Potential Contact Delays: If you encounter issues with your booking or have concerns, contact Hawaiian Airlines customer service, but be prepared for potentially longer wait times.
Review Financial Accounts: If you’ve recently booked or made changes to a reservation, monitor your credit card and bank statements for any unusual or suspicious activity.
Hawaiian Airlines has indicated it will provide further updates as more information becomes available. Travelers should stay informed through official channels regarding any potential impact on their travel plans.
