Cyberattack on Third-Party Service Provider Disrupts Operations at Major European Airports

Air India's travel advisory on Saturday warned of disruptions at major European airports, including London's Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, due to a cyberattack on a third-party service provider affecting check-in and boarding systems. The advisory came as Collins Aerospace, a single service provider, was targeted in a cyberattack, causing delays and stranding passengers for hours. Brussels Airport confirmed the attack, disabling its automated systems and advising arrivals two hours in advance for Schengen flights and three hours for international departures. London Heathrow and Berlin Airport also reported disruptions, with passengers advised to check their flight status and arrive at the airport well in advance.

Key Takeaways:

• A cyberattack on a third-party service provider, Collins Aerospace, severely affected check-in and boarding systems at major European airports, including Brussels, London Heathrow, and Berlin.
• The attack caused delays and stranded passengers for hours, with Brussels Airport confirming the disruption and advising arrivals to allow extra time.
• Air India issued a travel advisory on Saturday warning of disruptions at major European airports and advising passengers to complete web check-in before arriving at the airport to minimize inconvenience.
• London Heathrow Airport advised passengers to check their flight status before traveling and to arrive no earlier than three hours before a long-haul flight or two hours before a domestic flight.
• Berlin Airport reported longer waiting times at check-in due to a technical issue at the service provider and advised teams were working on a quick solution.
• Authorities and airlines have not provided a timeline for the full restoration of services.
• The cyberattack highlights the vulnerability of third-party service providers in disrupting critical infrastructure.

Statistics:

• At least three major European airports (Brussels, London Heathrow, and Berlin) were affected by the cyberattack.
• The cyberattack caused significant delays and stranded passengers for hours.
• Brussels Airport advised arrivals to allow at least two hours in advance for Schengen flights and three hours for international departures.
• London Heathrow Airport advised passengers to arrive no earlier than three hours before a long-haul flight or two hours before a domestic flight.

Sources:

• X (Twitter)
• Brussels Airport's statement
• London Heathrow Airport's statement
• Berlin Airport's statement
• Contify.com (Distributed by)