JAL's system under cyberattack, domestic and international flights delayed

Japan Airlines said Thursday that its system network is under a cyberattack, with at least 14 domestic flights delayed for up to an hour and some international flights also affected, Kyodo reports. 

The airline said the problems began occurring around 7:25 a.m., prompting JAL to halt ticket sales for domestic and international flights for the rest of the day. Tickets already bought can still be used.

JAL said it was working to counteract the cyberattack and determine its source, adding the attack may have a larger effect on its flights. The airline succeeded in temporarily shutting down the router believed to have been compromised.

The Metropolitan Police Department was contacted by JAL and is looking into the matter, investigative sources said.

Recall that in January this year Japan Airlines aircraft catches fire at Haneda airport.

Besides, Japan saw an 8.3 percent increase in the number of police-recognized cyber and phone scams in 2023, with the 19,033 cases the most in 10 years, while the number of people linked to overseas-based crime rings was the highest ever seen, data showed released in February.