Experts warn that nation-state actors and terrorist groups like China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Al Qaeda, and ISIS are actively observing and potentially preparing to exploit these vulnerabilities for malicious attacks.

Security researchers highlight that aircraft systems could be targeted through satellite links, Wi-Fi, or ground systems, raising fears of hijacking or disabling planes via cyber means.

The aviation industry is facing urgent cybersecurity threats that could lead to fleet outages, passenger data breaches, loss of trust, and even catastrophic cyberattacks, underscoring the critical importance of safeguarding national security.

The FBI has issued warnings that U.S. airlines are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, with groups like 'Scattered Spider' shifting focus from entertainment to attacking the aviation sector.

The interconnected digital systems in modern aviation—such as reservation, maintenance, and air traffic management—are vulnerable to breaches that could cause widespread disruption or catastrophic failure.

Experts recommend six urgent actions: redesigning identity verification, securing the entire ecosystem, adopting cybersecurity standards like CMMC, segmenting and hardening core systems, sharing threat intelligence in real time, and funding cyber resilience as critical infrastructure.

Historical incidents from 2015 to 2024 reveal recurring vulnerabilities and a lack of sufficient reforms, emphasizing the need for immediate and comprehensive cybersecurity measures.

Recent cyberattacks on airlines such as WestJet, Hawaiian Airlines, Qantas, and the ransomware incident at Sea-Tac Airport in August 2024 have disrupted operations and compromised passenger data.