A cyberattack targeting a service provider for check-in and boarding systems caused major disruptions at several prominent European airports, including London's Heathrow, Brussels and Berlin, on Saturday. The incident resulted in significant delays and numerous flight cancellations, impacting thousands of passengers across the continent.

Collins Aerospace, which operates the affected systems for airlines and airports worldwide, reported ongoing technical issues linked to the attack. Heathrow Airport warned departing passengers of probable delays and urged them to monitor their flight status closely during the disruption.

Brussels Airport confirmed that automated check-in and boarding services were inoperable, forcing staff to use manual processes to handle departing passengers. "This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will unfortunately cause delays and cancellations of flights...The service provider is actively working on the issue and trying to resolve the problem as quickly as possible," the airport said.

Passengers due to travel on Saturday were advised by airport authorities to confirm their journey with their airline before setting out. The disruption affected travellers at multiple locations, with the extent of delays varying by airport and carrier.

Berlin Airport also communicated the situation via a banner on its website, stating: "Due to a technical issue at a system provider operating across Europe, there are longer waiting times at check-in. We are working on a quick solution," Berlin Airport said in a banner on its website.

The attack did not affect all major European hubs. Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s largest, reported normal operations, with a spokesperson confirming no impact. Zurich Airport similarly stated it was unaffected, according to an official from its operations control centre.

Source: India Today