In an industry long focused on screening shipments and tightening physical security, a far less visible threat is worth keeping a close eye on: cyberattacks aimed at digital airfreight systems. From booking platforms and customs‑processing APIs to ground‑handling networks and airport IT infrastructure, digital vulnerabilities are multiplying fast, and the airfreight industry is on alert. So, what’s at stake?
Cargo grounds to a halt
Operational disruptions offer a chilling warning. In February 2022, logistics giant Expeditors International suffered a ransomware attack that forced it to halt internal systems, resulting in shipment delays and the wholesale rerouting of cargo flows. More recently, Seattle–Tacoma Airport fell victim to a ransomware hack in 2023, where hackers demanded US$6 million from an operator for documents they stole. This event further showcased airport system vulnerabilities and sparked renewed calls for stronger cyber defences in core logistics hubs.
Business risk analysts warn that these incidents are merely low-hanging fruit. Cargo IT ecosystems — a web of booking platforms, warehouse software, barcode scanners, and transport APIs — at times operate on outdated code, with limited security oversight. So, what’s the issue? A single penetrable vendor can freeze an entire chain, from warehouse receipt to departure.
Digital fragility meets booming demand
The rapid digital transformation of airfreight — the shift to e-AWBs, API-managed booking systems and cloud-synced warehouse platforms — may create potentially attractive attack surfaces. Meanwhile, operators often lean on low-budget security solutions, leaving unpatched vulnerabilities open for exploitation.
A report last month from Cyentia Institute flagged that air transport firms face a 30 percent chance annually of a cyber incident, which is higher than the broader logistics or transportation sectors. The same data showed ransomware, though only 2.8 percent of events, accounted for 84 percent of losses, demonstrating the massive impact of a well-timed attack.
Real‑world cases: Ransomware and compromised APIs
The 2022 ransomware attack on Expeditors and other logistics providers around Europe, including those servicing the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, exposed how far-reaching such disruptions can be.
US airport systems have also experienced multiple intrusions; in 2024 the TSA issued new cybersecurity directives to shore up defences across transportation sectors, including pipelines and airports alike.
In the digital front, airfreight booking platforms face their own risk. There are a few companies that process sensitive shipment details, customs data, pricing, and consignee profiles, making them potential targets for data theft or, worse, manipulation of booking flows. A disrupted API could trigger knock-on effects through carriers, handlers, shippers, and regulators, which could delay clearance, trigger missed connections, and expose sensitive trade intelligence.
Where airfreight stands: leading and lagging
Power players like FedEx, UPS, DHL, as well as other integrator platforms, maintain internal cybersecurity teams and conduct regular penetration testing. Cargo booking platforms have also invested heavily in encryption and SOC monitoring to protect transactions.
US airports with high cargo volumes, like Miami International and LAX, have also hired cybersecurity officers focused purely on cargo systems, and are integrating shipment network log monitoring with aviation safety systems.
However, many regional handlers, small 3PLs, and other on‑site ground staff lag behind. Their IT teams are small, budgets limited, and training sparse. Until vendors and small operators upgrade their security systems, even mid-tier carriers can serve as easy entry points for attackers targeting larger ones.
What’s next?
1. Industry-wide cyber standards
The absence of standardised cybersecurity protocols for air cargo means each stakeholder sets their own threshold, thus creating systemic risk. An industry code of practice or TSA‑backed framework would go a long way.
2. Education and training
Line staff, warehouse teams, agents and dispatchers need cybersecurity training comparable to physical threat drills. A misplaced email or weak password can be as damaging as a breached firewall.
3. Vendor vetting and contract uplift
Cargo carriers and forwarders must demand baseline security from software vendors, not just functional specs. Contracts should require vulnerability scanning, encrypted data transit, and emergency protocols.
4. Cyber insurance adoption
While insurance exists for healthcare, finance, and retail, it remains rare in mid‑size logistics. Encouraging cyber-specific insurance, linked to tested incident response plans, can help “move the needle” on preparedness.
5. AI-driven threat detection
Advanced analytics and behavioural tools can monitor transaction flows and detect patterns in real time, flagging potentially malicious API calls or terminal login anomalies before a risky situation escalates.
A window and a warning
As airfreight becomes more digital, the cyber risks will grow alongside it. One-off disruptions aren’t anomalies; they’re reminders. Unless the air freight sector accelerates its cybersecurity stance, from top-tier integrators to small cargo agents, it risks disasters that could freeze global trade lanes as quickly as a geopolitical crisis. This isn’t sci-fi. The plane may still take off, but “invisible threats” could potentially ground the cargo so it’s best to be prepared.
