A cyberattack on check-in systems disrupted flights at Brussels, Berlin, and London airports, forcing staff to use manual procedures.
Brussels Airport Faces Major Cancellations
Brussels Airport confirmed the attack targeted its service provider, not airlines or airports directly.
Officials said manual check-in and boarding replaced normal digital operations after Friday night’s incident.
Spokesperson Ihsane Chioua Lekhli reported nine flight cancellations, four diversions, and 15 delays exceeding one hour on Saturday morning.
Local outlets later confirmed the airport would cancel half its Sunday departures to prevent queues and chaos.
With 35,000 passengers expected Saturday, Brussels Airport urged travelers to arrive only if flights were confirmed.
Collins Aerospace Confirms System Breach
Collins Aerospace admitted its software suffered a “cyber-related disruption” at multiple airports.
The company’s systems normally allow passengers to print boarding passes and bag tags worldwide.
Officials stressed the issue lay with Collins’ technology, not individual carriers or terminals.
Berlin and London Airports Manage Delays
Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport warned passengers of delays and long lines but confirmed no cancellations.
Operators disconnected compromised systems to contain the threat and ensure partial operations.
London’s Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, confirmed minimal disruption and avoided cancellations despite the attack.
Growing Cybersecurity Threat to Aviation
The incident highlighted aviation’s vulnerability to digital attacks that cripple vital operations.
Airports and airlines stressed their commitment to safeguarding passengers while addressing emerging cyber risks.
