Data stolen from 8.7 million customers after three airports targeted in cyber attack

Customer data has been stolen after a cyber attack targeting three UK airports including Manchester and Stansted.

The data seized from 8.7 million customers included email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registrations and postcodes, Manchester Airport Group (MAG) said.

The company announced the "cyber security incident" relating to Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports at around 1pm on Thursday.

"Manchester Airports Group has been subject to a cyber security incident by an unauthorised third party," an MAG spokesperson said.

"A quantity of customer data has been obtained that relates to car park, lounge and Fast Track bookings and in-airport WIFI sign-ups at Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports.

"We immediately contained the risk and have been working with specialist advisors and taking appropriate steps to protect our customers and systems.

"We have informed and are working with the relevant authorities.

"At no point has passenger safety or aviation security been compromised."

MAG said the system accessed did not hold customers' bank or payment details.

Airport operations and customer parking continue uninterrupted, MAG said.

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Cyber attacks targeting public infrastructure have been on the rise, including airports.

In September 2025, Heathrow was among several major European airports to be hit by a cyber attack.

The technical issue affecting Collins Aerospace, which provides check-in and boarding services for various airlines, led to major delays at the affected airports.

In another cyber incident, Advanced Computer Software Group - which provides IT and software services to organisations around the country - was hit by a ransomware attack that disrupted critical NHS services in 2022.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) fined the company £3m for the breach.

(c) Sky News 2026: Data stolen from 8.7 million customers after three airports targeted in cyber attack