Reports from two B.C. airports indicate that their public address and flight information display systems fell victim to hacking by a third party on Tuesday evening.
Kelowna International Airport and Victoria International Airport confirmed the security breaches in official statements delivered via email. Transport Canada acknowledged these incidents, alongside another cyber attack at Windsor International Airport.
“Transport Canada is collaborating with federal security agencies, including law enforcement, to ensure that the safety and security of airport operations were not compromised and to prevent similar disruptions in the future,” stated a release from the federal agency.
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has been informed about the breaches.
In a press release published on Wednesday, Kelowna International Airport disclosed that it is actively investigating the hacking incident in coordination with Transport Canada and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. Several social media users reported encountering pro-Hamas and anti-Trump messages at the airport in B.C.’s Okanagan.
Phillip Elchitz, the airport’s director of operations and innovation, informed CBC News that an external party managed to access the flight information display system and the PA system within the terminal building.
Elchitz described a message that was broadcast over the PA system, containing profane language and references to the Gaza situation, as well as images and messages involving President Trump, the Israeli prime minister, and individuals from Hamas.
A snippet of the PA announcement at Kelowna airport on Tuesday night, translated as “We pledge allegiance to Jerusalem. I swear to God,” was reviewed by CBC News. However, this excerpt did not mention Trump or Hamas.
An image captured at Kelowna International Airport on Tuesday portrayed a message displayed on a screen stating, “ISRAEL LOST THE WAR, HAMAS WON THE WAR HONORABLY You are a pig, Donald Trump.”
Elchitz mentioned that the PA system was restored after about 20 seconds, but it took a few minutes to remove the unauthorized images from the displays.
He confirmed that a few flights experienced delays, but operations returned to normal on Tuesday night, with expectations of full operations on Wednesday.
“We are collaborating with our service providers to analyze how these files were displayed on the screens and the PA system,” he informed CBC News.
“Our main objective is to ensure that any security vulnerabilities in these systems are completely addressed to prevent future incidents.”
A spokesperson from Victoria International Airport clarified that only their PA system was compromised. The loudspeakers utilized a cloud-based external system, commonly used by many airports worldwide.
The spokesperson explained that an external party uploaded a file containing unauthorized audio content, which played on the loudspeakers for a brief period.
“Our operations team promptly intervened and successfully halted the broadcast,” stated the spokesperson via email. “No operational disturbances, delays, or cancellations were reported.”
Additionally, a similar incident was reported in the United States.
Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania confirmed that an unauthorized individual gained access to their PA system and played an unauthorized recorded message.
“The message, which was political in nature, did not pose any threats to the airport, our tenants, airlines, or passengers,” a spokesperson stated. “Local, state, and federal authorities are currently investigating the incident.”