Aeroflot Cancels Dozens of Flights After Major Cyberattack Claimed by Pro-Ukrainian Hackers

Russian flag carrier Aeroflot was forced to cancel dozens of flights on Monday following a crippling cyberattack that disrupted operations at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the country. The attack, claimed by a pro-Ukrainian hacking group called Silent Crow, reportedly in collaboration with Belarusian hacktivists Cyber Partisans, has raised serious concerns about the cybersecurity of Russia’s aviation industry.

The incident, which coincided with the peak holiday travel season, caused widespread chaos as departure boards turned red, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Russian airline Aeroflot announced the cancellation of over 40 flights, including routes to Minsk and Yerevan, following a massive failure in its information systems, while at least 10 other flights were delayed. The airline said specialists are working to restore normal operations and minimize disruption.

Senior Russian lawmaker Anton Gorelkin described the event as a “wake-up call,” stating that Russia was under a “digital attack” as part of broader hybrid warfare. He warned that such hacktivist groups might be acting on behalf of “unfriendly states,” reflecting the geopolitical tensions linked to the Ukraine conflict.

The Kremlin expressed deep concern over the attack, while prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into the breach. However, Aeroflot has not yet disclosed the full extent of the damage or how long it will take to restore normal operations.

The pro-Ukrainian hacking group Silent Crow claimed responsibility, calling the cyberattack the result of a year-long operation. The group alleges it destroyed 7,000 servers, gained access to employee computers — including those of senior management — and threatened to release personal data of all Aeroflot passengers.

The hacking group also claimed the cyberattack was a direct response to Russia’s ongoing actions in Ukraine. This high-profile incident underscores the growing threat of cyber warfare, particularly targeting critical infrastructure like airlines. It also highlights the need for stronger cyber defense strategies in Russia’s aviation sector.