Cyber Attack Causes Major Disruptions at Heathrow and Other European Airports

Tue Oct 14 2025 23:34:42 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A cyber-attack has led to significant delays and chaos at Heathrow Airport, impacting check-in and baggage systems for multiple airlines. Similar disruptions were witnessed at other European airports, with officials working to restore normal operations.

Heathrow Airport faced severe disruptions on Saturday due to a cyber-attack affecting an electronic check-in and baggage system, resulting in extensive flight delays. Other European airports, including Brussels and Berlin, reported similar issues, with passengers experiencing lengthy waits and manual check-in processes. Authorities are investigating the attack's origin, while aviation experts warn of broader implications for air travel logistics.

Heathrow was among several European airports hit by delays on Saturday after a cyber-attack affecting an electronic check-in and baggage system.

The airport said a number of flights were delayed as a technical issue impacted software provided to several airlines.

Brussels Airport said a cyber-attack on Friday night meant passengers were being checked in and boarded manually, and Berlin's Brandenburg Airport reported longer waiting times due to the problem.

RTX, which owns software provider Collins Aerospace, said it was aware of a cyber-related disruption to its system in select airports and that it was working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

The company added: The impact is limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop and can be mitigated with manual check-in operations. It said its Muse software - which allows different airlines to use the same check-in desks - had been affected.

British Airways is reportedly unaffected, but most other airlines at Heathrow have been impacted. Heathrow stated it was working to resume normal operations and apologized for the delays.

A spokesperson from the National Cyber Security Centre said they were collaborating with affected airports and law enforcement to assess the situation. Meanwhile, the European Commission is monitoring the attack, which reportedly has not been severe.

Flight tracking services reported hundreds of delays, with passengers sharing their frustrating experiences at various airports. Many are now concerned about their travel plans, particularly those affected by missed connections.

While investigations are ongoing, speculation surrounds the motives and origin of the attack, with some experts suggesting possible links to ransomware gangs.