transportation

Cyberattack Disrupts European Airports, Causing ‍Delays and Cancellations

Brussels,‌ Belgium – September 21, 2025 – Several⁣ European airports are experiencing notable disruptions due⁤ to a cyberattack targeting ⁢Collins Aerospace, a provider of check-in and boarding systems. The attack began on September 20, ‌2025, and is causing delays and cancellations across the continent.

Brussels Airport reported a “large impact on the flight schedule” on its website Sunday, advising travelers to verify their flight status before heading to the airport. Heathrow Airport acknowledged delays,⁢ stating on X (formerly Twitter), “We apologise ‌to those who have faced delays, but‌ by working together with airlines, the vast ‍majority ‌of flights have continued⁣ to operate.” Heathrow encouraged passengers⁤ to check‍ flight statuses and ⁢arrive ‍no⁤ earlier than three ⁤hours before ⁣long-haul flights or two hours⁢ before short-haul‍ flights.

Berlin Airport⁤ also ‌warned⁢ travelers of‌ longer waiting times due to a “systems⁤ outage at a⁢ service provider.” Dublin Airport was affected, but anticipated operating a full⁢ schedule on Sunday, though with⁣ potential delays. ‍The airport noted on X that some airlines in Terminal 2 ⁤were utilizing manual processes for bag tags​ and boarding passes, leading to slightly longer check-in and bag‍ drop ⁢times.

This attack is the latest in a ⁣growing number of⁣ high-profile cybersecurity breaches. Last week, Jaguar Land ⁤Rover⁤ extended ​a pause in production ⁢until September 24 due to a cyberattack. Earlier ⁤in 2025, British ‍retailer‍ Marks & Spencer estimated a cyberattack would reduce its annual profits by nearly one-third.

Charlotte Wilson, head ​of enterprise at cybersecurity ​firm Check Point, highlighted the ⁣aviation industry’s vulnerability. “These ⁤attacks frequently enough strike through the supply chain, exploiting third-party platforms that are used by multiple airlines and airports ​at once,” she⁤ explained ​in ‍a statement. “When one vendor is compromised, the ​ripple‌ effect can‍ be immediate and‌ far-reaching, causing widespread disruption across borders.”

Wilson emphasized the need for aviation companies to regularly ⁣update ‍software, maintain well-tested‌ backup⁢ systems, and improve information-sharing between technology providers, airlines, and governments. “Cyberattacks rarely ⁤stop at national borders, so the⁣ faster one country can identify ‍and report⁣ an attack, the faster others can take‍ action to contain it,” she stated. “A joined-up defense⁢ will be far more effective than siloed⁣ responses.”