Russias Aeroflot cancels flights after pro-Ukraine hackers claim cyber-attack

Published: Monday, July 28, 2025 at 11:14 am

Aeroflot Flights Grounded Following Claimed Cyberattack

Moscow, Russia – Aeroflot, Russia's national airline, was forced to cancel dozens of flights on Monday, disrupting travel for many Russians. The cancellations, primarily affecting domestic routes but also impacting flights to Minsk and Yerevan, followed a reported failure in the airline's information systems. The Kremlin has confirmed the issues stem from a cyberattack, prompting a criminal investigation.

A pro-Ukraine hacking group calling itself Silent Crow claimed responsibility for the attack. The group, which has previously targeted Russian entities, stated the operation was conducted with a Belarusian group called Cyber Partisans and linked it to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Silent Crow's statement alleged a year-long operation that deeply penetrated Aeroflot's network, destroying thousands of servers and gaining control of employee computers, including those of senior managers. The group also threatened to release the personal data of Aeroflot passengers.

Aeroflot has stated that specialists are working to minimize the impact and restore normal service. Passengers expressed frustration on social media, citing a lack of information from the airline. Affected travelers are being offered refunds or the option to rebook within ten days.

The Kremlin has expressed concern over the situation, with a spokesperson acknowledging the seriousness of the cyber threat to large companies. Despite Western sanctions and travel limitations, Aeroflot remains a major global airline, serving millions of passengers annually.

BNN's Perspective: The reported cyberattack on Aeroflot highlights the increasing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to digital threats. While the motivations behind the attack are clear, the disruption to civilian travel underscores the potential for cyber warfare to impact everyday life. It is crucial for governments and businesses to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such attacks and mitigate their consequences.

Keywords: Aeroflot, cyberattack, Russia, Ukraine, hacking, flights, cancellations, Kremlin, Silent Crow, Cyber Partisans, travel, sanctions, passenger data, security, Moscow.

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