Cyberattack hits European airports: Check-in systems down at Heathrow, Brussels, Berlin; triggers flight delays, cancellations

A cyberattack targeting a third-party service provider has disrupted check-in and boarding systems at several major European airports, including London’s Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations, the operators confirmed on Saturday, reported news agency Reuters.

According to Brussels airport, the cyberattack rendered automated check-in and boarding systems inoperable, forcing airlines to switch to manual processing, which significantly impacted operations.

“This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will unfortunately cause delays and cancellations of flights,” the airport said in a statement on its website. “The service provider is actively working on the issue and trying to resolve the problem as quickly as possible,” it added.

Heathrow airport also issued a statement, attributing the disruption to a “technical issue” at a third-party supplier, without naming the affected provider. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.

Berlin Airport published a notice on its homepage warning travellers of longer waiting times at check-in, citing a technical issue at a system provider operating across Europe. It added, “We are working on a quick solution.”

Frankfurt Airport, however, confirmed it had not been affected by the disruption.

The extent of the cyberattack and the identity of the service provider are yet to be disclosed. Airports across Europe continue to monitor the situation closely.