Edith Hejberg
Passengers flying from Heathrow have been warned to expect delays after a suspected cyber-attack disrupted services at several European airports.
The issue has affected check-in and boarding systems provided by Collins Aerospace, a major tech supplier for global airlines.
Brussels and Berlin Airports Also Affected
The disruption isn’t limited to the UK. Airports in Brussels and Berlin are also experiencing major delays.
Brussels Airport confirmed the issue stemmed from a cyber-attack on Friday night, affecting the shared system used for check-ins and boarding across Europe.
Collins Aerospace Identified as the Source
The problem has been traced back to Collins Aerospace, which supplies technology for airport operations worldwide.
While the company has yet to issue a statement, multiple airports have confirmed the outage is linked to its systems.
Heathrow Urges Caution and Preparation
In a public advisory, Heathrow asked travellers to check flight statuses with their airlines before heading to the airport.
They recommended arriving no earlier than three hours for long-haul flights and two hours for domestic routes, to avoid unnecessary congestion.
Extra Staff Deployed to Ease Chaos
To manage the disruption, Heathrow has deployed additional staff in check-in areas. These teams are helping passengers navigate the manual processes now in place while the tech issue is being resolved.
Manual Check-Ins Return in Brussels
Brussels Airport reverted to manual check-in and boarding procedures due to the system outage. Officials said this shift is already causing delays and cancellations. Passengers were urged to come to the airport only if their flight had been confirmed.
Berlin Airport Reports Long Wait Times
Berlin’s airport authority acknowledged similar technical issues, warning of longer wait times at check-in desks. Their team is working with the service provider to find a quick solution, but delays remain likely throughout the day.
Investigation Underway
While the exact nature of the attack has not been officially confirmed, signs point to a coordinated cyber incident. As systems are gradually brought back online, airports and airlines continue to assess the impact on flight schedules and security protocols.
This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, which may have used AI in the preparation
