Delta Air Lines is investigating an unauthorized Wi‑Fi network that appeared aboard Flight 591, a Boeing 757 operating from Las Vegas to Atlanta after the DEF CON cybersecurity conference ended in the city. The airline’s initial review found that the network was not provided, operated or supplied by Delta, and no Delta system or aircraft operating system has been identified as compromised.
Crew temporarily disabled onboard Wi‑Fi for about 30 minutes while dealing with the issue. Federal law enforcement and aviation regulators are involved in the investigation, which is focused on how the rogue network appeared in flight and whether it was used for passenger-facing phishing or other deceptive activity.
The incident has drawn attention because it followed DEF CON 34, which ended in Las Vegas shortly before the flight. FOX 5 Atlanta reported that 199 passengers and six crew were on board, and no emergency was declared. For now, the case remains an inquiry into an unauthorized network rather than a confirmed cyberattack on Delta’s own systems.