Cyber Attack Causes Flight Delays at Heathrow and European Airports

Strategic Insights -

A cyber attack has hit several European airports, including Heathrow in London, causing flight delays and technical issues with check-in and boarding systems. The issue is attributed to a software provider, Collins Aerospace, which is working to resolve the problem. Security officials, including the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), are investigating the incident. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status with their airline before traveling, as several flights have been canceled or delayed.

Key Takeaways:

  • A cyber attack has caused flight delays and technical issues at Heathrow and several European airports, including Berlin and Brussels.
  • The software provider, Collins Aerospace, is working to resolve the problem, which has been isolated to check-ins and baggage drops.
  • The issue has resulted in nearly a dozen flight cancellations and delays to at least 17 departures at Brussels Airport.
  • Passengers are experiencing longer waits at check-in due to manual operations.
  • The incident is being investigated by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and security officials.
  • Liberal Democrat opposition members have urged the government to clarify whether Russia was behind the security attack.
  • The cyber attack is not an isolated incident, as several major companies, including Jaguar Land Rover and M&S, have suffered from cyber attacks in the past.

Statistics:

  • Nearly a dozen flights have been canceled due to the cyber attack.
  • At least 17 departures have been delayed.
  • Passengers are experiencing longer waits at check-in, with manual operations being used to mitigate the issue.
  • The cyber attack is expected to cost Collins Aerospace an estimated £300m in total.
  • An estimated £120m in costs is expected for Jaguar Land Rover due to the ongoing disruption.
  • Suppliers to Jaguar Land Rover are at risk of going insolvent due to the disruption.

Sources:

  • [https://www.cityam.com/people-and-organizations/heathrow-airport/] Heathrow Airport (no date)
  • [https://www.cityam.com/people-and-organizations/airport/] Airport (no date)
  • [https://www.cityam.com/people-and-organizations/cyber-attack/] Brussels Airport (no date)
  • [https://www.cityam.com/ms-cyber-attack-to-hit-profit-by-300m/] City AM (no date)
  • [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/jaguar-land-rover-factory-shutdown-cyber-attack-b2827530.html] The Independent (no date)
  • [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czdjn0lv64ro] BBC (no date)