CYBER ATTACKS ON AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE: ANALYZING INCIDENTS AND ASSESSING FUTURE RISKS

The aviation industry’s increasing reliance on digital technologies has increasingly become the target of cyberattacks that can have devastating effects on safety and operational efficiency. Cybersecurity in aviation has become a top concern as cyber threats to aviation infrastructure increase. Cyberattacks can target operational systems of airlines, air traffic control, and airport operations, from data breaches, ransomware, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks to disrupt flight schedules, compromise passenger safety, and expose sensitive data. Notable case studies of cyberattacks in the aviation industry include the DDoS attacks on Japan Airlines in 2024, which caused significant disruptions and temporarily suspended some flights and ticket sales. This recent incident highlights the fragility of aviation infrastructure and highlights the potential for even more serious attacks in the future. Increasingly sophisticated attacks such as artificial intelligence and advanced persistent threats (APTs) require the aviation industry to adopt robust and dynamic cybersecurity strategies. These strategies should include real-time threat detection, proactive vulnerability management, and basic regulatory preparation, technical training, and international collaboration to protect global air transportation networks. This article provides an analysis of the current state of aviation cybersecurity, discusses various types of cyberattacks targeting aviation systems, analyzes major incidents, their impacts, and future risks posed by evolving cyber threats, and outlines key strategies to mitigate future risks to aviation infrastructure.