Cyberattack disrupts operations at major European airports

A cyberattack on a key service provider for check-in and boarding systems caused widespread disruptions at several major European airports on Saturday, including London’s Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, leading to flight delays and cancellations.

Collins Aerospace, which supplies check-in and boarding systems to airlines across multiple airports worldwide, reported a technical issue affecting its operations. Heathrow Airport warned passengers that departures could be delayed as a result.

Brussels Airport confirmed that automated systems were temporarily inoperable, forcing staff to rely on manual check-in and boarding procedures. “This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will unfortunately cause delays and cancellations of flights,” the airport said on its website. “The service provider is actively working on the issue and trying to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.”

Passengers scheduled to fly on Saturday were advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.

Berlin Airport also reported extended waiting times due to a technical problem. “Due to a technical issue at a system provider operating across Europe, there are longer waiting times at check-in. We are working on a quick solution,” the airport stated on its website.

Some airports, however, were not affected. Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s largest, said operations were running normally, and Zurich Airport officials confirmed that their systems had not been impacted.