Europe Airport Chaos: Cyberattack Disrupts Flights at BER and Beyond
Berlin, Germany – September 21, 2025 – Travel plans across Europe are facing major disruption this weekend after a significant cyberattack targeted Collins Aerospace, a key IT service provider for numerous airports. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is among those severely affected, with passengers bracing for extended waiting times, flight cancellations, and a return to largely manual processing systems. This is a developing story, and Archyde is committed to bringing you the latest updates as they unfold.
What Happened? The Cyberattack Explained
The attack, which began Friday evening, has crippled passenger clearance systems at several European airports. Collins Aerospace confirmed a “cyber-related disorder” impacting operations. Airports, including BER, were forced to disconnect from affected systems as a precautionary measure, leading to immediate and widespread chaos. While the airport itself wasn’t directly targeted, the reliance on Collins Aerospace’s infrastructure meant BER was caught in the crossfire.
BER Passengers Face Major Delays – and a Return to Paper Lists
Passengers traveling through BER on Saturday experienced lengthy queues and significant delays. The situation is expected to continue, and potentially worsen, on Sunday. In a throwback to pre-digital travel, airport staff were forced to resort to paper lists for check-in procedures. “So it all takes longer,” a BER spokesperson admitted. A crisis team has been assembled to manage the fallout, but the full extent of the disruption remains unclear. Online check-in remains functional, but passengers are being encouraged to utilize terminal kiosks and drop off luggage where possible – though assistance is limited for those requiring wheelchair access, strollers, or have oversized baggage.
Beyond Berlin: Which Airports Are Affected?
While BER is experiencing some of the most visible disruptions, the impact is being felt across Europe. Currently, Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg airports in Germany report no immediate issues. However, Münster airport experienced a brief disruption on Friday evening, swiftly resolving the issue by switching to its own IT systems. The situation at other European airports remains largely unconfirmed, with many yet to release statements. This highlights a critical vulnerability in the interconnected nature of modern aviation infrastructure.
Collins Aerospace: A Key Player in Aviation Technology
Collins Aerospace is a major US-based company specializing in aviation technology, producing components and developing systems for both commercial and military applications. This attack underscores the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, and the potential for cascading effects across multiple sectors. The company’s involvement in defense systems also raises questions about potential motivations and the sophistication of the attack.
The Bigger Picture: Cybersecurity in Aviation
This incident isn’t an isolated event. The aviation industry has become an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals, due to the sensitive data it holds and the potential for significant disruption. Airports and airlines are heavily reliant on complex IT systems for everything from flight scheduling and baggage handling to security and passenger information. A successful attack can not only cause financial losses but also compromise passenger safety. Experts are urging airports to invest in robust cybersecurity measures, including regular vulnerability assessments, employee training, and incident response plans. The incident also highlights the need for greater international cooperation in combating cybercrime.
As the situation at BER and other European airports continues to evolve, travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information and allow for significant extra time at the airport. This cyberattack serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our interconnected world and the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity in all critical infrastructure sectors. Stay tuned to Archyde for ongoing coverage of this breaking news story and in-depth analysis of the cybersecurity landscape.
