Hackers steal data from millions of UK airport customers – BBC News
BBC Homepage
Skip to content
Accessibility Help
Your account
Home
News
… (rest of the menu as in original)
Hackers Steal Data from Millions of Airport Customers
By Georgie Docker, North West
27 August 2026, 13:26 BST
Updated 44 minutes ago
Three major UK airports have been hit by a "cyber security incident" where criminal hackers accessed data from nearly nine million people.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns Manchester, East Midlands, and London Stansted airports, stated that customers’ contact details, vehicle registrations, and postcodes were compromised over the weekend.
"At no point has passenger safety or aviation security been compromised," MAG assured, adding that the hacked system did not store customer bank or payment information.
It appears most of the stolen data consisted of email addresses obtained through WiFi sign-ups within the airport terminals.
Around 8.7 million customers’ data was accessed in total.
MAG issued a statement:
"We would like to reassure customers that Manchester Airport Group takes the security of customer information extremely seriously and we apologise for any inconvenience or concern caused."
Hackers gained access through WiFi sign-ups and car parking, lounge bookings, etc.
The airport group discovered the hack on Tuesday and promptly prevented further access. They have notified affected customers and are working with specialists to protect their systems and customers.
Customers are advised to be vigilant against suspicious emails, text messages, or phone calls and to avoid opening attachments from unknown sources.
MAG confirmed they know the hackers’ identity and have informed the relevant authorities.
