Ransomware attack hits Spicejet ops
Operations of budget carrier Spicejet were impacted on Wednesday after its systems faced a ransomware attack.
A source said the airline’s software, which deals with operations and flight planning, came under attack in the early hours of Wednesday. Airlines use software to keep a record of hours flown by pilots. This helps them in assigning duties considering regulations on flight duty time. It also helps an airline keep a record of hours flown by each aircraft and helps in maintenance.
The source added that after the Spicejet system came under attack, its operations department switched to manual mode on Wednesday. The airline is working to shift its systems to a secured server.
Responding to the issue, Spicejet said: “Certain Spicejet systems faced an attempted ransomware attack last night. While our IT team has to a large extent contained and rectified the situation, this has had a cascading effect on our flights leading to delays. Some flights to airports where there are restrictions on night operations have been cancelled. Spicejet is in touch with expert and cybercrime authorities on the issue.”
However, customers took to social media to express their displeasure. “Operating normally?? We are stuck here since 3 hours and 45 minutes. Neither cancelling nor operating, sitting in the flight, not even the airport. No breakfast, no response,” Mudit Shejwar tweeted from inside an aircraft.
This is the second instance of flight disruption for Spicejet in five days. On May 20, the airline’s morning departures were delayed as it was unable to make necessary payments to the Airport Authority of India, which provides air traffic control services in the country. Operations were normalised in a few hours after the airline managed to make necessary payment manually.