Customers' data accessed in cyber attack on UK airports

Three major UK airports - Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands - experienced a cyber security incident resulting in the unauthorized access of customer data, according to Manchester Airport Group (MAG). The company, which manages all three airports, reassured passengers that their safety and aviation security were never compromised during the incident.

According to MAG, approximately 8.7 million customers' data was accessed, primarily their email addresses, related to WiFi sign-ups within the airport terminals. Additional information accessed included phone numbers, vehicle registration numbers, and postcodes. MAG emphasized that no customer bank or payment details were compromised.

The majority of the data accessed pertained to car park, lounge, and fast track bookings, as well as in-airport WiFi sign-ups. Despite the breach, airport operations remained unaffected, and customer parking services continued to operate normally. MAG has informed relevant authorities and is working with specialists to protect its systems and customers.

MAG's spokesperson expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and emphasized that customer information security is a top priority. The company stated, "Manchester Airports group has been subject to a cyber security incident by an unauthorised third party." Manchester Airport handled over 32 million passengers in the previous year, Stansted 30 million, and East Midlands four million.