A cyberattack has disrupted operations at some of Europe’s busiest airports, including London Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. The attack affected electronic check-in and boarding systems, leading to flight delays and cancellations. Authorities warned passengers to expect disruptions and check with airlines before traveling. This is now part of Breaking News and Daily news highlights.
1. What Caused the Disruption?
The problem began with Collins Aerospace, a company that provides check-in and boarding systems for airlines worldwide. Their software faced a “cyber-related disruption,” according to RTX, Collins Aerospace’s parent company.
- Automated systems became inoperable.
- Passengers had to use manual check-in and baggage procedures.
- The attack started on Friday night and continued into Saturday.
Airports emphasized that the disruption was limited to check-in and boarding systems. Other operations, such as air traffic control, were not affected.
2. Impact on Flights and Passengers
The attack caused delays and cancellations across affected airports:
- Flight delays: Most departing flights were delayed by about one hour.
- Cancellations: Brussels Airport reported at least 10 cancelled flights.
- Passenger inconvenience: Long lines and slower check-in procedures caused frustration.
Passengers were advised to confirm flight status with airlines before heading to the airport to avoid surprises.
3. Airlines’ Response
Airlines responded differently to minimize disruption:
- Delta Air Lines said it expected minimal impact and had implemented workarounds.
- EasyJet confirmed normal operations for its flights.
- Ryanair and IAG (British Airways) had not responded immediately.
Some airports, such as Frankfurt and Zurich, were unaffected and operated normally, providing relief to passengers flying through Germany and Switzerland.
4. Government and Airport Reactions
Authorities monitored the situation closely:
- Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin airports issued public updates for passengers.
- British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander received regular updates on the situation.
- Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski confirmed Polish airports were safe.
Officials stressed that manual operations could reduce delays and allow flights to continue, even during the cyberattack.
5. Lessons on Cybersecurity
The attack highlights the growing need for strong cybersecurity in airports:
- Automated systems are vulnerable to hackers, causing wide-scale disruptions.
- Manual check-in works as a backup but slows operations significantly.
- Airports may need to invest more in cybersecurity to prevent future attacks.
- Passengers are reminded to allow extra time and check airline updates before traveling.
This incident emphasizes the importance of protecting transport infrastructure from cyber threats and preparing for emergencies to ensure passenger safety.
