A cyberattack targeting Russia’s flagship carrier, Aeroflot, has led to widespread flight cancellations and delays, with pro-Ukrainian hackers claiming responsibility. The airline reported disruptions to its IT systems, forcing the grounding of over 40 flights, including domestic routes and international services to Belarus and Armenia.
The hacking group Silent Crow announced the operation on Telegram, boasting that it had “completely destroyed” Aeroflot’s digital infrastructure in collaboration with the Belarusian Cyberpartisans. The attackers also threatened to leak personal data of passengers who had flown with the airline, signing off with a rallying cry: “Glory to Ukraine! Long live Belarus!”
Cyberpartisans, a Belarusian collective opposing the Lukashenko regime, confirmed its involvement, stating the strike was intended to support Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression. Meanwhile, Russian authorities acknowledged the breach, with the prosecutor’s office confirming an investigation into the incident.
Russian lawmaker Anton Gorelkin framed the attack as part of a broader digital war against the country. While hacker groups frequently exaggerate their exploits, the disruption to Aeroflot’s operations appears tangible, affecting thousands of travelers. Some passengers are being rebooked on alternative carriers to mitigate the fallout.
Cyber warfare has intensified since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with both sides engaging in digital sabotage. However, verifying the true impact of such attacks remains difficult, as many groups inflate their achievements for propaganda purposes. Silent Crow’s collaboration with Cyberpartisans—an established collective fighting Belarusian authoritarianism—adds another layer to the conflict’s cyber dimension.
This incident follows recent aviation disruptions in Russia, including drone strikes on Moscow airports that grounded hundreds of flights. As digital and kinetic warfare intertwine, civilians increasingly bear the brunt of these escalating hostilities.
