While artificial intelligence has emerged as a key technology helping civil aviation sector’s digital transformation, the same also acts as a powerful tool for non-state actors to disrupt operations, compromise systems, or manipulate data, notes a fresh advisory from Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.

As AI makes inroads into every sector, civil aviation has also adopted the technology for a variety of purposes including passenger processing, gate assignment, baggage handling and screening, flight delay mitigation, ground support and maintenance.

Canada’s aviation sector is highly connected, and its cyber security is only as strong as its weakest digital link.

Our new assessment examines cyber threats including state-sponsored activity and AI-enabled social engineering. https://t.co/DsikQrqLB6 https://t.co/W0gqIBUlnZ

— Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (@cybercentre_ca) October 27, 2026

However, non-state actors and hacktivists have also misused the tool for carrying out highly sophisticated attacks.

“Airports and airlines are attractive targets because they operate high-consequence systems that affect traveler safety and hold large volumes of sensitive personal and business information. We assess that ransomware will almost certainly continue to be the most likely disruptive cyber threat to affect Canadian aviation organizations,” notes the advisory.

The assessment also highlights the growing risk posed by third-party technology providers. Since airports and airlines rely on interconnected digital services, a security breach at a single supplier could affect multiple organisations.

“as AI becomes increasingly embedded in critical aviation functions, it expands the sector’s reliance on digital systems and data transfer within and between aviation organizations and service providers, creating new opportunities for cyber threat actors to disrupt operations, compromise systems, or manipulate data,” notes the report.

The report warns that state-sponsored cyber actors may be seeking access to critical infrastructure networks to prepare for possible future disruptions. There is also an assessed possibility that such actors have established access to Canadian airport systems, including air traffic control networks. However, deliberate disruption is considered more likely during periods of heightened geopolitical tension or conflict.

Cyber espionage is another major risk, as airport and airline systems contain valuable passenger, cargo and logistics data that could be used to track individuals and monitor sensitive supply chains.

The assessment concludes that stronger cyber security measures, supplier oversight and effective business continuity plans are essential to protecting aviation operations and public safety.

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