Cyberattack Disrupts Check-In Systems at European Airports, Causing Delays

A cyberattack targeting the software that runs check-in and boarding systems for airlines disrupted operations at Europe’s busiest airports on Saturday, triggering delays and cancellations as flights were affected across Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin.

RTX, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, said it had become 'aware of a cyber-related disruption' to its software in 'select airports,' without offering further details. 'We are actively working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality to our customers as quickly as possible,' it added.

Brussels Airport said a 'cyber attack' on Friday evening against 'the service provider for the check-in and boarding systems' was affecting several European airports. It added that only manual check-in and boarding were possible and that the attack had 'a large impact on the flight schedule and will unfortunately cause delays and cancellations.'

Heathrow Airport, Europe’s busiest, said that Collins Aerospace 'is experiencing a technical issue that may cause delays for departing passengers.'

Berlin Airport said on its website that there were longer waiting times at check-in 'due to a technical issue at a system provider operating across Europe.'

Passengers stuck at the airports reported long delays and said they had received little information regarding the reported attack. This is a developing story.