A widespread cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems has caused disruptions and flight delays at several of Europe’s busiest airports, according to Al Jazeera News. The incident, which began late Friday, has affected operations at London Heathrow, Berlin, and Brussels, among others.
At Heathrow, the United Kingdom’s largest airport, at least 29 departures and arrivals were canceled as software provided by Collins Aerospace—a U.S.-based subsidiary of RTX Corporation—was hit by the attack. Berlin and Brussels airports reported similar interruptions, forcing staff to rely on manual check-in and boarding procedures. In total, 651 flights were scheduled from Heathrow, 228 from Brussels, and 226 from Berlin on Saturday.
Collins Aerospace confirmed awareness of the “cyber-related disruption” but emphasized that the impact was limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop, which could be mitigated through manual operations. The company is working to restore systems quickly, while advising travelers to check flight status with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Other major hubs, including Frankfurt, Zurich, and Paris Charles de Gaulle, reported no impact. Dublin Airport temporarily evacuated Terminal 2 as a precaution, resuming operations shortly afterward, though minor disruptions persisted throughout the day.
Airlines including EasyJet and Delta Air Lines said most flights were operating normally, with workarounds implemented to minimize delays.
No group or actor has claimed responsibility for the attack, and authorities report no evidence of data theft. European cybersecurity agencies and airport authorities are coordinating responses and monitoring for further threats, with aviation security reportedly unaffected.
The incident underscores the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks, as thousands of travelers across Europe experienced delays in what is typically one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
