Major European Airports Paralyzed by Cyberattack: Brussels Updates Released

European airports Grapple With System-Wide Delays

September 21, 2025, 10:00 AM

Major airports throughout Europe are currently facing considerable flight disruptions following a widespread technical malfunction affecting check-in and boarding procedures. The issues, which began earlier today, have created a ripple effect across the continent’s air travel network.

London’s Heathrow Airport has issued warnings regarding potential delays, as have numerous other key transportation hubs. Brussels Airport has specifically identified the cause of thier problems as a coordinated cyberattack, resulting in the cancellation of 10 flights and delays exceeding one hour for an additional 17 departures.

Correspondent Benedicte Paviot is reporting live from London, while Dave Keating is providing the latest updates from Brussels. Authorities are working to restore full functionality to the affected systems and mitigate the impact on travelers.

Impact on Air travel

The disruption comes at a particularly sensitive time, as many travelers are beginning to plan for the upcoming Autumn holidays. the extent of the impact varies by airport, with some experiencing minor delays while others are facing substantial cancellations.

According to data from Eurocontrol, the European air traffic management association, approximately 15% of all flights within the affected airspace are currently experiencing delays of 15 minutes or more. Eurocontrol is closely monitoring the situation and working with airlines and airports to minimize disruption.

Airport	Disruptions Reported
London Heathrow	Significant Delays
Brussels Airport	10 Cancellations, 17+ Flights Delayed
Other European Hubs	Varied Delays Reported

Did You Know? Airports are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure.

Pro Tip: Travelers are advised to check with their airline for the latest flight facts and allow extra time for travel to the airport.

The Growing Threat of Airport Disruptions

Airport disruptions are becoming increasingly common, driven by a confluence of factors including severe weather events, staffing shortages, and – as evidenced in this instance – cyberattacks. A recent report by the World Economic Forum identified critical infrastructure, including airports, as a prime target for malicious cyber activity.

In 2023,a significant number of airports globally experienced disruptions due to technical glitches and staffing issues,emphasizing the fragility of the modern air travel system. Investing in resilient infrastructure and robust cybersecurity protocols is vital to maintaining the smooth flow of air travel.

The aviation industry is adopting new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, to predict and manage potential disruptions, but the threat landscape is constantly evolving, requiring continuous adaptation and improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Airport Disruptions

• What causes airport delays? Airport delays can be caused by a variety of factors, including bad weather, air traffic control issues, technical problems, and security concerns.
• What is a cyberattack on an airport? A cyberattack on an airport involves malicious attempts to disrupt airport operations by compromising computer systems and networks.
• How can I protect myself from airport disruptions? Travelers can protect themselves by checking their flight status, allowing extra time for travel, and purchasing travel insurance.
• What rights do passengers have when flights are delayed? Passenger rights vary depending on the airline and the country, but generally include compensation for delays, cancellations, and missed connections.
• Are airports prepared for cyberattacks? Airports are increasing investment in cybersecurity measures, but they remain a vulnerable target due to the complexity of their systems.
• How frequent are airport technical issues? Technical issues occur with increasing frequency, demanding perpetual upgrades and maintenance of aging systems.
• What is Eurocontrol’s role in managing disruptions? Eurocontrol coordinates air traffic across Europe, ensuring safety and efficiency, and helps manage disruptions by rerouting flights and providing real-time information.

Do you think airports are adequately prepared for the increasing threat of cyberattacks? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

What measures are airports taking to collaborate and share data regarding this cyberattack?

Current Situation: Airport Disruptions Across Europe

A widespread cyberattack is causing notable disruption to air travel across several major European airports. Initial reports began surfacing early this morning, September 21, 2025, impacting flight schedules and passenger flow. Airports in Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, and Rome are experiencing delays and cancellations, but the situation is particularly acute at Brussels Airport (BRU). This airport cyberattack is believed to be a coordinated effort targeting critical infrastructure.

* Affected Airports (as of 10:30 CEST):

* Brussels Airport (BRU) – Severe disruptions, limited operational capacity.

* Schiphol Airport (AMS) – Significant delays, potential cancellations.

* Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – Moderate delays, increased security checks.

* Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – Flight cancellations reported, baggage handling impacted.

* Fiumicino Airport (FCO) – Delays and increased wait times.

Brussels Airport: Latest Updates & Operational Status

Brussels Airport is currently the epicenter of the crisis.Authorities have confirmed a ransomware attack targeting the airport’s IT systems, including flight information displays, baggage handling, and check-in procedures.

* Key Updates (September 21,2025,10:30 CEST):

* All outbound flights have been suspended untill further notice.

* Inbound flights are being diverted to neighboring airports, including Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) and Dusseldorf Airport (DUS).

* Passengers are advised not to travel to Brussels Airport unless absolutely necessary.

* A dedicated crisis team is working with cybersecurity experts to restore systems.

* Belgian authorities have launched a full investigation, collaborating with Europol and international cybersecurity agencies.

* Impact on Passengers: Thousands of passengers are stranded, facing lengthy delays and uncertainty. Airlines are scrambling to rebook flights, but capacity is severely limited. Travel disruption is expected to continue for at least 24-48 hours.

The Nature of the Cyberattack: Ransomware Suspected

Preliminary investigations suggest the attack utilizes a sophisticated strain of ransomware, encrypting critical airport systems and demanding a considerable ransom for their release. While the identity of the attackers remains unconfirmed, cybersecurity analysts point towards a known threat actor group specializing in attacks on critical infrastructure.The specific cybersecurity threat is still being analyzed.

* Ransomware Characteristics:

* Data encryption rendering systems unusable.

* Demand for payment in cryptocurrency (likely Bitcoin).

* Potential for data exfiltration and threat of public release.

* Potential Motives: Financial gain, geopolitical disruption, or espionage are all potential motives being investigated.

Airline Responses & Passenger Rights

Airlines operating flights to and from affected airports are implementing contingency plans. Passengers are strongly advised to check with their airline for the latest flight status and rebooking options.

* Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004: Passengers affected by flight cancellations or significant delays may be entitled to compensation,including:

* Care (meals,refreshments,accommodation if necessary).

* Reimbursement of ticket costs.

* Compensation payments depending on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay.

* Contacting Airlines: Airlines are experiencing high call volumes. Utilizing airline websites and social media channels for updates and assistance is recommended.

Ancient Precedents & Airport Cybersecurity

This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats. Several previous incidents demonstrate the potential for significant disruption:

* 2017 NotPetya Attack: Affected numerous organizations globally, including Maersk and Merck, causing widespread logistical and operational chaos.

* 2020 GardaWorld Cyberattack: A ransomware attack on GardaWorld, a major security services provider, disrupted airport security operations in several countries.

* Increased Focus on Airport Security: Following these events, many airports have invested in enhanced airport security measures and cybersecurity protocols, but vulnerabilities clearly remain.

Mitigation Strategies & Future Prevention

Addressing the vulnerabilities exposed by this attack requires a multi-faceted approach:

* Enhanced Cybersecurity Investments: Airports must prioritize investment in robust cybersecurity infrastructure, including intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and data encryption.

* Regular Security Audits & Penetration Testing: Proactive identification and remediation of vulnerabilities are crucial.

* Employee Training & Awareness: educating airport staff about phishing scams and other social engineering tactics is essential.

* Collaboration & Information Sharing: Sharing threat intelligence between airports, airlines, and cybersecurity agencies is vital.

* Incident Response Planning: Having a well-defined incident response plan in place can minimize the impact of a cyberattack. Cyber incident response is paramount.

Practical Tips for Travelers

* Check Flight Status Regularly: Use