The National News Agency of Lebanon reported on Sunday that Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut fell victim to electronic hacking. Departure and arrival screens were compromised, displaying messages that have sparked concern and raised questions about the motives behind the attack.
Images and videos began circulating on social media platforms, showcasing the airport screens bearing a stern message directed at Hezbollah and its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The message read, "Rafic Hariri Airport is not the airport of Hezbollah and Iran... Hassan Nasrallah, you won't find a supporter if you involve Lebanon in a war. You must bear the responsibilities and consequences."
The message continued, addressing past grievances, "Hezbollah, when we fight on behalf of someone, you destroyed our port, and now you want to destroy our airport because of the weapons' entry. Let the airport be liberated from the grip of the state."
This unexpected cyber intrusion was confirmed by a Lebanese security source, who revealed that the aviation information display system at Beirut International Airport was hacked on Sunday evening. Technical teams promptly addressed the issue, but the incident caused confusion and a temporary halt in air traffic.
The motive behind the hacking remains unclear, as authorities scramble to investigate the source of the cyber attack. The message, however, suggests a strong political tone, with warnings directed at Hezbollah and its involvement in regional conflicts.
Lebanese officials have not yet commented on the incident, but the breach raises concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the potential impact on the nation's security. The hacking incident at Rafic Hariri International Airport serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threats in the cyber realm, with potential consequences reverberating through various sectors, including aviation.