A cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems caused significant disruptions at several major European airports on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Airports in Brussels, London Heathrow, and Berlin Brandenburg experienced delays and forced a return to manual processing for passengers.
The incident, which began Friday night, impacted a key service provider for airport operations, affecting thousands of travelers across the continent. Manual check-in became the only option for many, leading to longer queues and flight adjustments.
Key Takeaways
- Cyberattack hit major European airports on September 20, 2025.
- Brussels, London Heathrow, and Berlin Brandenburg airports affected.
- Check-in and boarding systems were targeted, requiring manual processing.
- Collins Aerospace, a service provider, reported a "cyber-related disruption."
- Brussels Airport cancelled half of Sunday's departing flights to manage impact.
Widespread System Failures Across Continent
The cyberattack specifically targeted the electronic systems responsible for passenger check-in and boarding. This forced airport staff to switch to manual procedures. Brussels Airport in Belgium, London Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom, and Berlin's Brandenburg Airport in Germany all reported issues.
According to a statement from Brussels Airport, the attack occurred on Friday night, September 19. It affected the service provider for their check-in and boarding systems. This meant that only manual check-in and boarding was possible for departing flights on Saturday.
Impacted Locations
- Brussels Airport, Belgium
- London Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Germany
Service Provider Confirms Disruption
The cyberattack did not directly target specific airlines or individual airports. Instead, it focused on a common service provider that supports these operations. Collins Aerospace, a company that provides systems allowing passengers to check themselves in, print boarding passes, and bag tags globally, confirmed the incident.
The company cited a "cyber-related disruption" to its software. This disruption impacted its systems at "select airports" worldwide. This type of attack on a central provider can have a cascading effect across multiple locations using the same software.
Understanding Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks involve malicious attempts to access, disrupt, or damage computer systems or networks. These can range from data breaches to denial-of-service attacks. They often target critical infrastructure or widely used service providers to maximize impact.
Such incidents highlight the increasing vulnerability of interconnected digital systems. They also underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for global transportation networks.
Brussels Airport Faces Significant Cancellations
Brussels Airport experienced some of the most severe consequences of the cyberattack. Ihsane Chioua Lekhli, a spokesperson for Brussels Airport, provided details to local media.
On Saturday morning, nine flights were cancelled. Four flights were redirected to other airports, including Ostend Airport. Additionally, 15 flights faced delays of at least one hour. These figures show the immediate operational challenges.
"There was a cyberattack on Friday night 19 September against the service provider for the check-in and boarding systems affecting several European airports including Brussels Airport," Brussels Airport stated on its website.
Anticipating Further Delays
To prevent further widespread issues, Brussels Airport made a proactive decision. They announced plans to cancel half of their departing flights scheduled for Sunday. This measure aimed to avoid excessive queues and last-minute cancellations. Approximately 35,000 passengers were expected to depart from the Belgian airport on Saturday alone.
The airport advised passengers to confirm their flight status before traveling. This guidance was crucial to manage passenger flow and reduce congestion at the terminal. Passengers with unconfirmed flights were asked to avoid coming to the airport.
Minimal Impact at Other Major Hubs
While Brussels Airport faced significant challenges, other affected airports reported less severe disruptions. Brandenburg Airport in Berlin did not experience any flight cancellations as a direct result of the cyberattack.
However, the airport did issue warnings to passengers. They cautioned about potential delays and longer wait times for both check-in and boarding processes. Operators at Brandenburg Airport had proactively disconnected connections to the affected systems to contain the issue.
Passenger Advisory
- Brussels Airport: Only travel if flight confirmed.
- Brandenburg Airport: Expect delays and longer wait times.
- Heathrow Airport: Minimal disruptions reported.
Heathrow Reports Limited Issues
London Heathrow Airport, one of Europe's busiest air travel hubs, also reported being affected. Despite its high volume of traffic, Heathrow stated that disruptions were "minimal." The airport did not report any flight cancellations due to the cyberattack.
The ability of some airports to manage the impact more effectively than others highlights differences in their contingency plans and system resilience. These incidents underscore the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks across the entire aviation sector.
Ongoing Cybersecurity Concerns in Aviation
This cyberattack is not an isolated incident. The aviation industry remains a frequent target for cyber threats. Airports and airlines rely heavily on interconnected digital systems for operations, from ticketing to air traffic control. This dependency creates vulnerabilities.
Recent years have seen an increase in cyberattacks aimed at transportation infrastructure. These attacks can disrupt travel, compromise data, and even pose safety risks. Experts continue to advocate for stronger international collaboration and investment in cybersecurity defenses.
Future Outlook
- Aviation industry faces persistent cyber threats.
- Need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
- Importance of international cooperation in defense.
- Passengers advised to stay updated on flight information.
The full extent of the cyberattack's impact and the recovery timeline for all affected systems are still being assessed. Travelers are advised to check directly with their airlines and airport websites for the latest updates regarding their flights.
