Cyberattack Panic Hits Major European Airports
Disruptions in flight check-in systems at key hubs like Berlin, Brussels, Dublin, and London have caused delays as experts point to a software breach affecting numerous airports
Major European airports have been grappling with a series of cyberattacks that have severely impacted flight check-in systems over the past two days. Passengers traveling through Berlin, Brussels, Dublin, and London airports have faced significant delays and technical glitches, leading airport officials to confirm disruptions in passenger services. The nature of the problems has led experts to suspect a widespread information technology attack targeting the American company Collins Aerospace, which provides flight-related software systems used by many European airports.
According to company representatives, “cyber disruptions” were detected within their systems, and the issue remains ongoing as of the latest reports. At Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, travelers were warned about extended wait times and delays, while officials said they are working closely with airlines and ground service providers to minimize interruptions. Passengers have been advised to use online check-in or self-service kiosks where possible. Some airport staff have resorted to manual, paper-based procedures to process flights, and four flights were canceled in Berlin on Saturday, with several others postponed.
Brussels Airport experienced the cancellation of at least 10 flights and reported more than a dozen delayed by over an hour, which led to long lines at check-in counters. Meanwhile, London Heathrow confirmed its ongoing technical difficulties were directly linked to the Collins Aerospace cyberattack. So far, European airports have not seen major changes to overall flight schedules, but there is still no clear timeline for when the cyberattack’s effects will be fully resolved.
