Major European Airports Hit by Cyberattack, Including Heathrow and Brussels

Cyberattack Disrupts Flights Across Europe,Thousands Impacted

A widespread Cyberattack targeting a key provider of airport operational systems has caused important disruption to air travel across Europe on Saturday. Major hubs, including London’s Heathrow, Brussels Airport, and Berlin Airport, are grappling with delays and cancellations as a result of the incident.

Collins Aerospace, the company at the center of the issue, confirmed a “cyber-related disruption” to its software impacting select airports. While the full extent of the attack remains under examination, affected airports are scrambling to mitigate the fallout and assist stranded passengers. Dublin and Cork Airports in Ireland have also reported minor impacts.

impact on Air Travel

As of Saturday afternoon, aviation data provider Cirium reported 29 cancelled departures and arrivals across Heathrow, Berlin, and Brussels Airports.Heathrow,Europe’s busiest airport,accounted for 651 scheduled departures alone,followed by 228 from Brussels and 226 from Berlin. EasyJet has stated it is currently operating normally and dose not anticipate disruptions for the remainder of the day.

Airport	Scheduled Departures (Saturday)	Cancellations (as of Saturday afternoon)
Heathrow (London)	651	Part of 29
Brussels	228	Part of 29
Berlin	226	Part of 29

RTX,the parent company of Collins Aerospace,stated that the impact is largely confined to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop services,which can be temporarily addressed through manual procedures. Though,the situation is causing considerable frustration for travelers,with reports of long queues and a lack of clear details.

did You Know? Cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure are on the rise globally. A recent report by the World Economic Forum identified cyberattacks as one of the top risks facing the world today.

Investigation and Response

Authorities are actively investigating the source and nature of the Cyberattack. Germany’s federal office for information security (BSI) is coordinating with Berlin Airport officials,while the United Kingdom’s national Cyber Security Centre is working with Collins Aerospace and affected British airports to assess the damage. U.S. carriers Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are implementing workarounds to minimize disruptions to their services.

Passengers with travel plans for Saturday are strongly advised to verify their flight status directly with their airlines before heading to the airport. Airports are urging travelers to anticipate delays and allow extra time for check-in and security procedures.

One passenger at Heathrow,journalist Tereza Pultarova,described the situation as chaotic,noting the lack of support from her airline. Similar accounts have emerged from Berlin Airport, where travelers expressed frustration over limited information and a perceived lack of preparedness.

Pro Tip: When traveling during a potential disruption, pack essential medications, chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage.

The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks

This incident underscores the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks.Experts, such as Rob Jardin of NymVPN, highlight the risks associated with relying on third-party suppliers and the increasing weaponization of cyberattacks by state-sponsored actors.A recent breach at Jaguar Land Rover brought the company’s production to a standstill, demonstrating the broad range of sectors susceptible to these threats. World economic Forum’s Global Risk Report identifies cybersecurity as a major concern.

Understanding the Risks and Staying Informed

Cyberattacks targeting essential services are becoming increasingly complex and frequent.Understanding the potential risks and taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your data is crucial. Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices is also essential. Airports and airlines are continuously working to enhance their cybersecurity measures, but the threat landscape is constantly evolving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is causing the flight disruptions? A Cyberattack targeting Collins aerospace’s systems is causing disruptions to check-in and boarding processes at several European airports.
2. Which airports are affected? Heathrow (London), Brussels, Berlin, Dublin, and Cork Airports are currently experiencing disruptions.
3. How long will the disruption last? The duration of the disruption is currently unknown, but authorities are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
4. What can passengers do to mitigate the impact? Passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airline before traveling to the airport and allow extra time for check-in and security.
5. Are there broader security implications? This incident highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks and the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

What are your thoughts on the increasing threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure? Share your concerns and experiences in the comments below!

What specific systems at Heathrow and brussels Airport were directly impacted by the cyberattack?

Current Situation: Airport Disruptions & Cyber Security Threats

A widespread cyberattack is currently impacting major European airports, with Heathrow Airport (London, UK) and Brussels Airport (Belgium) confirmed as key targets. Initial reports began surfacing on September 20, 2025, indicating significant disruptions to flight schedules, baggage handling systems, and passenger data displays.The nature of the attack is still under investigation, but authorities suspect a sophisticated ransomware attack targeting critical airport infrastructure. This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of essential services to cybersecurity breaches and the importance of robust airport security protocols.

Affected Airports & Reported Disruptions

Beyond Heathrow and Brussels,several other European hubs are reporting intermittent issues,suggesting a broader,coordinated attack. Confirmed and suspected impacts include:

* Heathrow Airport (LHR): Significant flight delays and cancellations.Reports of issues with baggage tracking and check-in systems. Passengers advised to check with their airlines before travelling.

* Brussels Airport (BRU): Flight disruptions, particularly impacting outbound flights. Security screening experiencing delays due to system outages.

* Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS): Increased security checks and potential delays reported. Authorities are monitoring systems closely.

* Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Minor disruptions reported, with heightened cybersecurity measures implemented.

* Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): Increased vigilance and monitoring of network activity. No major disruptions currently reported.

These disruptions are causing widespread travel chaos,impacting thousands of passengers and raising concerns about the resilience of European air travel.

The Nature of the Cyberattack: Ransomware Suspected

Preliminary investigations point towards a ransomware attack, where malicious software encrypts critical data and demands a ransom payment for its release. While no group has yet claimed obligation, cybersecurity experts are analyzing the malware used to identify the perpetrators.

Key characteristics of the attack so far:

* Targeted Infrastructure: The attack appears to be focused on systems controlling flight operations, baggage handling, and passenger information.

* Data Encryption: Evidence suggests widespread data encryption, hindering airport operations.

* Ransom Demand (Suspected): While not publicly confirmed, sources indicate a substantial ransom demand has been made.

* Potential Data Breach: The possibility of sensitive passenger data being compromised is being investigated. This raises concerns about data privacy and potential identity theft.

Impact on Passengers: What You Need to Know

travellers flying to or from affected airports should prepare for significant disruptions. Here’s a breakdown of what passengers need to do:

1. Check with Your Airline: Before heading to the airport, confirm the status of your flight with your airline. Airlines are the primary source of information regarding cancellations and re-bookings.
2. Allow Extra Time: Even if your flight is still scheduled, allow considerably more time for check-in, security screening, and potential delays.
3. Monitor Airport Websites & Social Media: Stay updated on the latest information from airport websites and official social media channels.
4. Be Prepared for Cancellations: Have a contingency plan in place in case your flight is cancelled. Consider choice travel arrangements or accommodation options.
5. Protect Your personal Information: Be vigilant about potential phishing attempts or scams related to the cyberattack. Do not click on suspicious links or provide personal information to unverified sources.

Cybersecurity Measures & Airport Resilience

This incident underscores the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity in aviation. Airports are increasingly reliant on interconnected digital systems, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.

Key areas for enhancement include:

* Robust Firewall Protection: implementing and maintaining strong firewall protection to prevent unauthorized access to airport networks.

* Intrusion Detection Systems: Deploying intrusion detection systems to identify and respond to malicious activity in real-time.

* Regular Security Audits: Conducting regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of security measures.

* Employee Training: Providing comprehensive cybersecurity training to airport staff to raise awareness of threats and best practices.

* Incident Response Plans: Developing and testing comprehensive incident response plans to effectively manage and mitigate cyberattacks.

* Data backup & Recovery: Implementing robust data backup and recovery procedures to ensure business continuity in the event of a accomplished attack.

* Collaboration & Information Sharing: Fostering collaboration and information sharing between airports, airlines, and cybersecurity agencies.

Real-world Example: notpetya Attack (2017)

The current situation echoes the 2017 NotPetya cyberattack,which caused widespread disruption to businesses and infrastructure globally,including Maersk,a major shipping company. While NotPetya wasn’t specifically targeted at airports, it demonstrated the devastating impact a large-scale cyberattack can have on critical infrastructure and supply chains. The NotPetya attack resulted in billions of dollars in damages and highlighted the need for proactive cyber threat intelligence and robust security measures.

Benefits of Proactive Cybersecurity in Aviation

Investing in proactive cybersecurity measures offers significant benefits for airports and the aviation industry:

* Enhanced Operational Resilience: Minimizing the risk of disruptions and ensuring business continuity.

* Improved Passenger Safety & Security: Protecting