Major Cyber Attack Exposes 8.7 Million Customer Records at Manchester Airport Group
The Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has confirmed a significant cyber security incident affecting approximately 8.7 million customers across its Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands airports. Personal data, including email addresses and phone numbers related to airport services, was accessed, though no bank or payment details were compromised. MAG advises affected customers to remain vigilant against unexpected communications while reassuring them that no direct action is needed and all bookings remain valid.
The Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which oversees operations at Manchester Airport, London Stansted, and East Midlands Airport, has confirmed a significant cyber security incident that has exposed the personal data of approximately 8.7 million customers. The group was alerted to the breach on Tuesday, August 25th, with the security lapse believed to have occurred a few days prior to discovery.
Hackers gained unauthorized access to customer information pertaining to various airport services, including car park, lounge, and Fast Track bookings, as well as registrations for in-airport WIFI across all three affected airports. The data compromised includes customers' email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registrations, and postcodes. MAG has explicitly stated that at no point were bank details, payment information, passenger safety, or aviation security compromised. The incident has not caused any operational disruption, and airport services continue to function normally.
Following the discovery, MAG took immediate steps to contain the risk. The group is actively collaborating with specialized cyber security experts and has informed relevant authorities to manage the incident comprehensively. To address the situation, MAG has sent emails to all affected customers, outlining the details of the breach and providing necessary guidance. The communication from MAG reassures customers that while personal information was accessed, critical financial data such as bank or payment details remain secure.
Customers impacted by the hack are advised that no direct action is required on their part. However, MAG strongly urges individuals to exercise caution and remain vigilant against unexpected emails, calls, or text messages that purport to be from the airport group. The company emphasized that it will never unexpectedly request payment card details, banking information, or passwords from customers. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments from unverified or unexpected communications. All existing bookings for car park, lounge, and Fast Track services remain valid and are unaffected by this security incident. MAG has issued an apology for any inconvenience or concern caused, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the highest standards of customer information security.