European Airports Experience Disruptions following Suspected Cyberattack – What Travelers Need to Know
A widespread technical issue, believed to be linked to a cyberattack, caused notable disruption to air travel across Europe this weekend. While the vast majority of flights continued to operate, passengers experienced delays and cancellations at major hubs like Brussels, Berlin, and Heathrow. Here’s a breakdown of what happened, what you need to know if you’re affected, and the growing threat of cyberattacks on the aviation industry.
What Happened?
The problems began Friday with reports of issues with passenger check-in software provided by Collins Aerospace. The company, a subsidiary of RTX (formerly raytheon), confirmed they are “actively working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality.” Airports quickly felt the impact, with systems experiencing outages and longer-than-usual wait times.
Impacted Airports & Reported Disruptions (as of September 21, 2025):
* Brussels Airport: 45 of 257 departing flights were cancelled, with delays ranging from 30 to 90 minutes.
* berlin Airport: Over 70 flights were delayed by midday, though some departures remained on schedule. The airport advised passengers to utilize online check-in, self-service kiosks, and fast bag drop services.
* Heathrow Airport: Experienced ongoing delays, as reported by The Guardian.
* Münster/Osnabrück airport: Indirectly affected, but proactively switched to internal IT infrastructure to maintain operations without restrictions.
* Other European Airports: Reports indicate disruptions across the continent, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern air travel.
What Caused the Disruption?
While the exact cause is still under investigation, the incident is widely considered a “cyber-related disruption.” Aviation expert Anita Mendiratta, a special advisor to the UN tourism secretary general, noted the difficulty in immediately identifying the perpetrator. This incident underscores a worrying trend: the aviation sector is increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
A Growing Threat: Cyberattacks in Aviation
This isn’t an isolated incident.Cyberattacks and tech outages have impacted airports globally, from Japan to Germany. A recent report by Thales revealed a staggering 600% increase in cyberattacks targeting the aviation industry between 2024 and 2025.
Why the increase? The report highlights that:
* Every link in the aviation chain is vulnerable. This includes airlines, airports, navigation systems, and suppliers.
* The sector is a ”prime target.” its strategic and economic importance makes it attractive to malicious actors.
* increased reliance on interconnected systems. Modern air travel depends heavily on online systems, creating more potential entry points for attacks.
What Should You Do If Your Flight is affected?
If you are traveling through a European airport, here’s what you should do:
- Check with Your Airline: The most significant step is to contact your airline directly for the latest information on your flight status.
- Monitor Airport Websites: Stay updated by checking the official website of the airport you are traveling from. (links provided below)
- Allow Extra Time: Even if your flight isn’t currently listed as delayed or cancelled, anticipate longer wait times at check-in and security.
- Utilize Online Check-in: Where available, use online check-in and self-service kiosks to expedite the process.
- Stay Informed: Follow news updates from reputable sources like The Guardian, Sky News, and The Local (links below).
Resources:
* brussels Airport: https://www.brusselsairport.be/en
* Berlin Airport: https://ber.berlin-airport.de/en.html
* The Guardian: [https://wwwtheguardiancom/business/2025/sep/21/delays-continue-at-heathrow-brussels-and-berlin-airports-after-alleged-[https://wwwtheguardiancom/business/2025/sep/21/delays-continue-at-heathrow-brussels-and-berlin-airports-after-alleged-[https://wwwtheguardiancom/business/2025/sep/21/delays-continue-at-heathrow-brussels-and-berlin-airports-after-alleged-[https://wwwtheguardiancom/business/2025/sep/21/delays-continue-at-heathrow-brussels-and-berlin-airports-after-alleged-