Cyberattack Hits Major European Airports

People at BER airport as a cyberattack has caused delays in Berlin, Germany.

BRUSSELS — A significant cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems has led to widespread disruption and delays at several major airports across Europe. This incident has raised concerns among passengers and authorities alike.

Extent of the Disruption

Brussels Airport reported that the cyberattack resulted in a shift to manual check-in and boarding processes, significantly impacting flight schedules. According to their statement, the attack occurred on the night of September 19, affecting multiple airports including Brussels.

Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport confirmed a similar attack on a service provider for passenger handling systems. In response, airport operators disconnected connections to the compromised systems to mitigate the impact.

Further Implications

London Heathrow Airport, the busiest in Europe, also reported that a technical issue linked to a service provider affected check-in and boarding operations. Collins Aerospace, which supplies these systems, acknowledged a “cyber-related disruption” affecting its software but reassured travelers that manual check-in was still an option.

Authorities adviced travelers to check their flight statuses and apologized for the inconvenience. Collins Aerospace, operational since 2018 as a subsidiary of RTX Corp., stated they are actively working to resolve the issue.

Regional Impact

Interestingly, some airports, such as Roissy, Orly, and Le Bourget in the Paris area, reported no disruptions, indicating that the impact of the cyberattack varied across regions.

Conclusion

This cyberattack not only highlights vulnerabilities in airport technology but also underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure. Passengers are urged to stay updated and prepared for potential delays as airports work to restore normal operations.

Published: 2025-09-20 10:00:00 | Source: www.npr.org