WestJet, Canada’s second largest airline, was hit by a large-scale cyberattack that disrupted internal systems and its mobile application. Some users temporarily lost access to services, but flights are continuing as normal.
The company confirmed that the attack affected WestJet’s internal systems and application, resulting in limited access for employees and users. At the time of the incident, both the airline’s guests and its staff were experiencing disruptions.
In response, internal cybersecurity teams were activated in conjunction with law enforcement and the Canadian Transportation Agency. Although not officially confirmed, it is likely that these are attacks using encryption or blocking systems (ransomware).
On Saturday morning, the company reported that core operations were not interrupted, but some services remain unavailable. The website and app were later partially restored, but full operation is not yet guaranteed.
WestJet is one of the key air carriers in Canada, serving thousands of passengers daily. Today’s airlines are increasingly becoming targets of cyberattacks, as their digital systems store a large amount of personal data and provide critical infrastructure. Similar incidents have already occurred with other companies in the past, such as Erie Insurance, United Natural Foods or even Victoria’s Secret, and often had the nature of extorting data or blocking access to infrastructure.
The WestJet incident proves once again that even large transportation operators are vulnerable to digital attacks, and critical services can be disrupted at any time. The company’s response was prompt, but official sources have not yet provided details about the nature of the attack. Protecting transportation infrastructure should become a national priority.
