London (dpa) - British Airways is facing a 183-million-pound (229-million-dollar) fine over a customer information breach, the British data protection watchdog said on Monday.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) said about 500,000 British Airways customers were affected by the data theft in the summer of 2018.
British media reported that the fine is the largest ever handed out by the ICO.
Customers were redirected to a fraudulent website during the online booking process, leaving their travel details, credit card information and passwords compromised.
The ICO said its investigation found that the airline's "poor security arrangements" were in part to blame for the breach.
British Airways boss Alex Cruz said he was "surprised and disappointed" by the agency's decision. He said the airline, owned by IAG, responded immediately to the hack as soon as it was detected.
The company has the right to appeal the IOC fine.
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