Multiple Flights Canceled and Delayed as Hackers Target Several Airports with Cyber Attacks

Multiple Flights Disrupted by Cyber Attacks targeting Airports

In a series of cyber attacks on airports in Europe, multiple flights have been canceled or delayed. Passengers faced chaos as a suspected cyber attack targeted several airports in London, Brussels, and Berlin, impacting their automated boarding systems.

The disruption began around 9 p.m. local time on Friday, Sept. 19, affecting the IT systems used by various airlines. This resulted in flight delays and cancellations, with staff having to process passengers manually to cope with the situation.

London’s Heathrow Airport was among the affected airports, issuing an apology to passengers for the inconvenience caused by what was described as a “technical issue.” The airport pointed to Collins Aerospace, the provider of check-in and boarding systems for multiple airlines globally, as the target of the suspected cyber attack.

Passengers at Heathrow Airport and Brussels Airport experienced long queues and delays as they awaited updates on their flights. Photos shared online depicted the frustration of passengers stuck in the airport amid the technical difficulties.

Brussels Airport announced that only manual check-in and boarding were possible due to the cyber attack, prompting airlines to cancel half their Saturday flight schedules to and from the airport. Berlin Airport also reported longer wait times attributed to a technical issue, further exacerbating the situation.

RTX, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, addressed the cyber disruption, assuring that they were actively working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality to their customers promptly. The impact was limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop, with manual operations being implemented to mitigate the disruption.

Passengers affected by the flight disruptions voiced their frustrations, with many uncertain about when they would be able to proceed with their travel plans. Despite significant queues, some passengers acknowledged the efforts of airport staff in managing the situation and ensuring that flights were not missed.

The cyber attack on these airports serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in modern aviation systems and the potential impact of such disruptions on travellers worldwide. As airports strive to enhance their cybersecurity measures, incidents like these underscore the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats.

As the affected airports work to rectify the situation and minimize further disruptions, passengers are urged to stay informed about their flight status and follow any instructions provided by airlines and airport authorities. The incident highlights the need for continuous vigilance and collaboration within the aviation industry to address cybersecurity challenges effectively.

In conclusion, the cyber attacks on European airports have disrupted air travel and raised concerns about the security of aviation infrastructure. The response to such incidents will be crucial in safeguarding passengers and ensuring the smooth operation of airports in the face of evolving cyber threats.