Manchester, Stansted, and East Midlands airports have been targeted by hackers, with customer data belonging to millions of passengers accessed. The airports have been “subject to a cybersecurity incident by an unauthorised third party,” and customer data, including email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registrations, and postcodes, has been obtained.

It is understood that data from 8.7 million customers was accessed. Information relating to car park, lounge, and Fast Track bookings, as well as in-airport WiFi sign-ups, was also accessed. The systems accessed, Manchester Airports Group said, do not hold customers’ bank or payment details.

The group was made aware of the cybersecurity incident on Tuesday (August 25). It is believed to have happened a few days earlier.

The full statement, issued today (27 August) read: “Manchester Airports Group has been subject to a cybersecurity incident by an unauthorised third party. A quantity of customer data has been obtained relating to car park, lounge, and Fast Track bookings, and in-airport Wi-Fi sign-ups at Manchester, Stansted, and East Midlands airports.

“We immediately contained the risk and have been working with specialist advisors and taking appropriate steps to protect our customers and systems. We have informed and are working with the relevant authorities. At no point has passenger safety or aviation security been compromised.

“The incident has not resulted in any operational disruption. Airport operations remain unaffected, and customer parking services continue to operate normally.

“Neither MAG nor the system accessed hold customers’ bank or payment details. The data that has been accessed includes customers’ email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registrations, and postcodes.

“We would like to reassure customers that Manchester Airport Group takes the security of customer information extremely seriously and we apologise for any inconvenience or concern caused.”

Customers affected by the hack have been sent an email. All upcoming bookings remain valid and are unaffected by this incident. You do not need to take any action regarding your booking, the group said. As a precautionary measure, access to our online Manage My Booking service has been temporarily suspended, according to a message on the airports group website.

The Manchester Airports Group operates Manchester Airport, London Stansted, and East Midlands.

MORE UPDATES TO FOLLOW…