A cyberattack-induced system failure on Thursday impacted Japan Airlines (JAL) flight operations. Consequently, the airline stopped selling tickets for flights leaving during the day. JAL affirmed that flight safety is unaffected by the disruption. 

The airline stated that the delays in both domestic and international flights were caused by a malfunction in the network equipment that connects the airline with its customers. The issue was traced back to a faulty router, which was temporarily shut down. However, the system restoration process was in progress at the time this report was filed. 

JAL has apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers and promised to provide updates as the situation develops. The cyberattack occurs during Japan's busiest winter travel season when many people take year-end vacations. Despite not being a public holiday in Japan, the timing of the interruptions has made them more severe. On Thursday, Japan Airlines (JAL) shares fell by up to 2.5%, marking their biggest one-day drop since early October. Founded in 1951, JAL operates from key hubs in Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports, as well as Osaka’s Kansai and Itami airports. Originally a state-owned airline, it became fully privatised in 1987.

The event occurred just after American Airlines Group Inc. experienced a similar problem on Christmas Eve. All US aircraft were grounded for one hour due to a technical issue with DXC Technology Co., a third-party vendor that oversees the airline's flight-operating systems.