Cyberattack Disrupts Major European Airports: Flight Delays and Cancellations – September 20, 2025"

Cyberattack Disrupts Major European Airports: Flight Delays and Cancellations

A significant cyberattack on September 20, 2025, has disrupted operations at several major European airports, including London Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. The attack targeted a service provider for check-in and boarding systems, rendering automated processes inoperable and forcing airports to revert to manual procedures. This has led to widespread flight delays and cancellations, affecting thousands of travelers across the region.

Affected Airports and Impact

London Heathrow: The UK's busiest airport reported significant delays due to the cyberattack. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for flight status updates.

Brussels Airport: The Belgian capital's main airport confirmed that the cyberattack had caused the cancellation of several flights and delays of over an hour for others. Manual check-in and boarding procedures were implemented as a temporary measure.

Berlin Airport: Authorities in Germany's capital reported similar disruptions, with longer wait times for passengers as automated systems remained offline.

Other airports, such as Frankfurt and Zurich, reported no disruptions from the incident, highlighting varying levels of impact across the region.

Response and Recovery Efforts

Airport authorities are working closely with cybersecurity experts to resolve the technical issues and restore automated systems. While some progress has been made, the full restoration of services is expected to take time. Passengers are urged to remain patient and stay informed through official airport and airline channels.

Implications for Airport Cybersecurity

This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in airport infrastructure, particularly concerning third-party service providers. The reliance on automated systems for check-in and boarding processes makes airports susceptible to cyberattacks that can disrupt operations and compromise passenger safety.

Recommendations for Travelers

Confirm Flight Status: Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules.

Arrive Early: Due to manual check-in procedures, travelers should arrive at the airport well in advance of their flight departure time.

Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official communications from airport authorities and airlines for real-time updates and instructions.

Conclusion

The September 20 cyberattack serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in safeguarding critical infrastructure. As airports work to recover from this disruption, it is imperative that lessons are learned to prevent similar incidents in the future.