A cyberattack targeting a check-in and boarding systems provider paralyzed operations at several major European airports on Saturday, causing flight delays and cancellations. Heathrow, the continent's main hub, as well as airports in Brussels and Berlin were among the affected sites.
According to Heathrow, the affected service provider, Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of the American group RTX, is experiencing a "disruption linked to a cyber incident" affecting its software used by many airlines. The malfunctions mainly concern electronic passenger check-in and automated baggage drop.
Faced with the impossibility of using automated systems, airports have had to resort to manual check-in and boarding procedures. Brussels Airport confirmed that the attack, which occurred on Friday evening, had a "significant impact" on its flight schedule, resulting in prolonged delays and cancellations.
RTX assured that its teams were working "as quickly as possible" to restore systems. Passengers were urged to check the status of their flights with the airlines before traveling to the affected airports.
In Berlin, airport authorities also warned of "longer waiting times" and indicated that a technical solution was being deployed. European aviation authorities are monitoring the situation, which highlights the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks.
