Cyber-attack causes delays at Heathrow and other European airports
8 hours ago
- #cyber-attack
- #airport-delays
- #aviation-security
- Heathrow and other European airports experienced delays due to a cyber-attack affecting electronic check-in and baggage systems.
- Brussels and Berlin airports reported manual check-ins and longer waiting times.
- RTX, owner of software provider Collins Aerospace, acknowledged the cyber-related disruption and is working on a resolution.
- British Airways operated normally using a backup system, but most other airlines at Heathrow were affected.
- Hundreds of flights were delayed, with some airports implementing manual check-in processes.
- Passengers reported long queues, missed connections, and lack of mobility assistance.
- Heathrow advised passengers to check flight statuses and arrive early to minimize disruption.
- Brussels Airport anticipated significant schedule impacts, including cancellations and delays.
- Eurocontrol requested airlines to halve flight schedules to and from affected airports.
- The cyber-attack's origin is unclear, with speculation ranging from ransomware gangs to state-sponsored actors.
- Previous incidents highlight the aviation industry's vulnerability to digital system failures.