Cyberattack Shuts Down Airports Across Europe

Cyberattack Disrupts European Airports, Leading to Flight Cancellations and Delays

A significant cyberattack has caused widespread disruptions at several major European airports, leading to numerous flight cancellations and delays. The incident, which began late on Friday, continues to impact operations as passengers face uncertainty about their travel plans.

Brussels Airport has been the hardest hit, with airlines being asked to cancel nearly 140 flights scheduled for Monday. This decision was made because a U.S.-based software system provider, Collins Aerospace, is still unable to deliver a new secure version of the check-in system. On Saturday, 25 outbound flights were canceled, and by Sunday, that number had risen to 50. The airport emphasized that the situation could worsen if manual check-in processes remain necessary for an extended period.

The cyberattack affected the software systems used by Collins Aerospace, which plays a critical role in helping passengers check in, print boarding passes, and manage luggage. The company acknowledged a “cyber-related disruption” at select airports in Europe but did not provide details about the nature or source of the attack. Experts suggest that the perpetrators could be hackers, criminal organizations, or even state actors.

Despite the ongoing issues, the European Commission confirmed that aviation safety and air traffic control systems remained unaffected. There is currently no indication of a large-scale or severe attack, though investigations into the origin of the incident are still underway.

Impact on Other Major Airports

While some airports have started to recover, others continue to experience challenges. London’s Heathrow and Berlin’s Brandenburg airports reported signs of improvement on Sunday, with fewer disruptions in arrivals and departures. However, Brussels Airport remains in the midst of significant operational difficulties.

According to Brussels Airport, half of the 276 scheduled departing flights on Monday were canceled due to the ongoing issues with the check-in system. The airport stated that cancellations and delays will persist until the system is fully restored. Despite these challenges, the airport managed to maintain 85% of its scheduled departures over the weekend thanks to additional staff support and the continued operation of self-service kiosks and online check-in options.

Response from Airlines and Airport Authorities

Collins Aerospace, the parent company of the affected software provider, has not yet responded to requests for comment. However, the company previously stated that the impact was limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop, and that manual check-in operations could mitigate the effects.

Airport spokesperson Ihsane Chioua Lekhli clarified that the cyberattack only affected computer systems at check-in desks, not the self-service kiosks. Teams have been using alternative backup systems and laptop computers to manage the situation. Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights before arriving at the airport and to use alternative check-in methods such as online or self-service options.

Heathrow Airport issued a statement acknowledging the ongoing efforts to resolve the issue and apologized for the inconvenience caused to travelers. The statement noted that the vast majority of flights have continued to operate through collaboration with airlines.

Brandenburg Airport also shared updates on its website, advising passengers to use online check-in, self-service options, and fast bag drop services due to longer waiting times caused by the systems outage.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook

As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how long the disruptions will last. While some airports are beginning to stabilize, others are still grappling with the fallout from the cyberattack. The reliance on manual check-in procedures highlights the vulnerabilities in current airline systems and underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and plan accordingly, as the impact of the cyberattack continues to affect travel across Europe.