Disruptions Hit Major European Airports Following IT Issues
A widespread technical issue is causing meaningful disruption to air travel across Europe on Saturday, impacting airports in Belgium, the United Kingdom, and germany.
Brussels Airport is experiencing the most severe consequences, wiht at least eight flights canceled and 15 delayed by an hour or more. Approximately 35,000 passengers are anticipated to pass thru the airport today, according to the Belga news Agency. The disruption is affecting check-in processes, baggage handling, and electronic systems, though the airport is attempting to mitigate the impact through manual check-in procedures. Several flights connecting Brussels to Portuguese cities – Lisbon, Porto, and Faro – operated by TAP, Ryanair, Brussels Airlines, Transavia, and Tui Fly Belgium have been canceled, including a 7:15 am departure from lisbon and a 1:45 pm arrival into Lisbon. Brussels airport has confirmed the cancellation of 10 flights with all departing flights experiencing delays of at least one hour. Passengers are advised to verify their flight status with their airline before traveling to the airport.
London’s heathrow Airport has also issued a warning regarding delays stemming from “a technical problem” with an external supplier. At least 145 flights are delayed and four have been canceled, according to The Independent. British Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated she is closely monitoring the situation.
Frankfurt Airport in Germany is currently operating normally, but Berlin Airport is experiencing disruptions. Passengers traveling through Berlin have been warned to anticipate delays and potential cancellations, as well as extended wait times during check-in and boarding. Euronews reports passengers should prepare for ”long hours of waiting, delays and flight cancellations.”
Despite the widespread issues, easyjet has stated it is indeed currently operating within its normal flight schedule and does not anticipate significant impacts throughout the day, while continuing to monitor the situation. Delta Air Lines expects a “minimum” impact on its flights. Ryanair and British Airways have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The incidents are part of a growing trend of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks targeting organizations across various sectors globally,including healthcare,defence,retail,and automotive. The German Office for Details Security is in contact with Berlin Airport regarding “infrastructure disturbances” linked to a failure in a global passenger processing system.
