WestJet Hit by Cyberattack

Canadian airline WestJet said it became aware of a “cybersecurity incident” late last week that affected its website and mobile app.

WestJet 737 MAX
A WestJet Boeing 737 MAX (Photo: Shutterstock | Vadim Rodnev)
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Key Takeaways:

Canadian airline WestJet said it is dealing with the effects of a “cybersecurity incident” and warned customers about possible service interruptions and errors while using its website and mobile app.

In a series of messages starting last Friday and extending over the weekend, the carrier said it had “activated specialized internal teams” and contacted law enforcement and Transport Canada to “investigate the matter and limit impacts.”

The breach interfered with access to certain services and software systems, WestJet said, but had no effect on its flight operations.

The airline apologized to customers and said it “continues to make progress on safeguarding our digital environment.”

WestJet 787
A WestJet Boeing 787 Dreamliner (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

“As we continue work to determine the extent and overall impact of the cybersecurity incident, some guests may temporarily encounter intermittent interruptions or errors while using the WestJet app and/or WestJet.com and we are working to resolve these issues,” WestJet said in its latest statement, released on Sunday. “Our operations remain safe and stable and are not impacted by the situation. WestJet is grateful to our guests, our people, and our partners for their support and patience. Regular updates will continue to be provided as more details can be shared.”

The cyberattack appeared to coincide with a meeting of the G7 countries in Kananaskis, Alberta. The summit ended on Tuesday.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
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