Major Cyberattack Hits European Airports, Causing Chaos at Heathrow and Brussels – What You Need to Know

A cyberattack on a service provider affected check-in and boarding systems at major European airports, including London’s Heathrow. This disruption led to significant flight delays and cancellations over the weekend.

The issue originated from Collins Aerospace, which supplies these systems to various airlines globally. Heathrow Airport reported potential delays caused by this technical problem. Both Brussels and Berlin airports also confirmed similar setbacks related to the same attack.

RTX, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, acknowledged a “cyber-related disruption” without specifying affected airports. While they emphasized that the problem was limited to electronic check-in and baggage drop, it forced many operations to revert to manual methods.

The automated systems were rendered inoperable, impacting check-in processes and resulting in delays. Brussels Airport warned that this incident occurred late Friday, with significant repercussions on their flight schedule. Currently, it is estimated that 10 flights were canceled and average delays reached around one hour for departing flights.

Passengers were urged to confirm their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport. Delta Air Lines indicated that it expected minimal disruptions due to its effective workaround. Berlin Airport acknowledged the technical issue publicly and noted longer wait times for passengers checking in.

Interestingly, Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s busiest, was not impacted by the attack. A spokesperson confirmed operations were running normally there. Meanwhile, EasyJet, one of Europe’s largest airlines, asserted that its flights were unaffected for the day.

In light of these incidents, cybersecurity experts emphasize the increasing vulnerabilities in airport systems. According to a recent report from Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This underscores the pressing need for improved security measures in critical sectors like aviation.

Social media reactions to the attack have included passengers sharing their experiences, expressing frustration with long wait times, and highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity in today’s digital age. Digital infrastructure at airports is becoming increasingly integral to operations, making it crucial to address these vulnerabilities quickly.

Authorities, including British transport minister Heidi Alexander, are closely monitoring the situation. Ongoing updates are expected as responders work to resolve the issue and enhance security to prevent future incidents.

This event serves as a reminder of the growing challenges in a tech-driven world, where digital vulnerabilities can translate into real-world inconveniences for travelers.

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