Cybersecurity Challenges in Aviation: Safeguarding Airline Operations against Emerging Threats

Purpose: This research examines the impacts of cyber-security challenges on airline operations and devising ways of mitigating them. Methodology: This research adopted an interpretivist approach, enabling consideration of cyber-security from a subjective human meaning, experiences and interpretations. As such, qualitative data was collected through document analysis from Google Scholar, Research Gate, JSTOR, Federal Aviation Administration and EUROCONTROL. 24 peer reviewed articles and journals that were published between 2010 and 2025 were used in analysis through thematic analysis. Findings: This research found ransomware attacks, DDos, breach of confidential data, attacks due to of in-flight systems and GPS spoofing to be the most prevalent cyber-security challenges facing airlines. Although airlines have been collaborating with IT vendors and government agencies, there have been numerous instances of uncoordinated response to cybersecurity attacks. This is despite the increased ability of early detection of threats through technological advancements. This research suggests adoption of multidisciplinary response towards cyber-security issues, involving all stakeholders and focusing on addressing both the technical and the social aspects of cybersecurity. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study has advanced the application of the socio-technical systems theory and the CIA triad in aviation cybersecurity. This demonstrated the interplay of social and technical factors in aviation cybersecurity, as well as the value of confidentiality, integrity and availability in integration of technological advancements in aviation infrastructure. The study also identified the rising nature of cybersecurity risk in aviation, raising awareness to airlines’ risk management strategies. Part of the research also contributes towards the development of policies that foster collaborative efforts among stakeholders towards improving cybersecurity in aviation.