Cyberattack Disrupts Operations at Major European Airports

A significant cyberattack targeting a provider of check-in and boarding systems has disrupted operations at several major European airports, including Heathrow Airport in London, Brussels Airport, and Berlin Airport. The incident, which began affecting operations on Saturday, has led to numerous flight delays and cancellations as airports scramble to manage the situation.

Collins Aerospace, the company behind the affected systems, reported a “cyber-related disruption” to its software at various airports. Although specific locations were not disclosed initially, the impact was felt widely. Heathrow Airport confirmed that the technical issues were causing delays for departing passengers, while Brussels and Berlin airports issued similar warnings.

According to a statement from RTX Corporation, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, the disruptions primarily affect electronic customer check-in and baggage drop services. The company indicated that operations could continue through manual check-in processes, and it is actively working to resolve the issue swiftly. A spokesperson for Brussels Airport stated, “This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will unfortunately cause delays and cancellations.” So far, ten flights have been cancelled, and departing flights are experiencing an average delay of one hour.

Passengers at affected airports have been advised to confirm their travel plans with airlines before arriving. Delta Air Lines noted that it expected minimal impact on flights departing from the disrupted locations, adding that it had implemented measures to mitigate disruptions. Meanwhile, Berlin Airport communicated that longer waiting times at check-in were anticipated but assured travelers that efforts were underway to rectify the situation.

While Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s largest, reported no disruptions, officials at Zurich Airport also stated that they had not been affected by the cyberattack.

Among the airlines operating without significant issues, EasyJet confirmed it was running normally and did not foresee any operational impact for the remainder of the day. The management of Ryanair and British Airways has yet to comment on the situation.

In relation to broader safety concerns, Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, stated there were no indications of threats to Polish airports. Heidi Alexander, the British Transport Minister, is reportedly receiving regular updates about the ongoing situation.

As airports continue to navigate the fallout from this cyberattack, travelers are urged to remain informed and confirm flight details with their airlines to avoid unnecessary delays.