Cyberattack Brings European Air Travel to Standstill: Thousands Stranded Amid System Disruptions

Cyberattack Disrupts Check-in Systems at Major European Airports A coordinated cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems has caused widespread disruptions to air traffic across Europe, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or delayed. The attack, which began on Friday evening, affected several major airports, including Brussels Airport, Berlin's Brandenburg Airport, and London Heathrow Airport. According to officials, the attackers exploited a vulnerability in the service provider's system, allowing them to gain unauthorized access and disrupt operations. "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," said a statement from Brussels Airport authorities. At Berlin's Brandenburg Airport, airport operators were forced to cut off connections to the passenger handling systems after discovering the attack. "We are working closely with our partners to resolve the issue as quickly as possible," said a spokesperson for the airport. London Heathrow Airport, Europe's busiest, reported that it was also affected by the cyberattack, with passengers facing long delays and disruptions to flight schedules. "A technical issue has arisen at one of our service providers, which is causing some disruption to our operations," said a statement from the airport. The attack has raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats. "This incident highlights the need for airports and other organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in robust defenses against such attacks," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a cybersecurity expert at the European Union's Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA). As authorities work to contain the damage and restore services, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules and travel plans. The incident is also prompting calls for greater investment in cybersecurity measures to prevent similar attacks in the future. The latest developments come as concerns about cyber threats continue to grow, with many experts warning of the potential for devastating attacks on critical infrastructure. In recent months, several high-profile breaches have highlighted the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between governments, organizations, and individuals to combat the threat. As the investigation into the attack continues, authorities are urging passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to airport staff or law enforcement agencies. Background: The attack is believed to be a coordinated effort by multiple actors, with some experts suggesting that it may have been carried out by nation-state actors. The use of sophisticated malware and exploitation of vulnerabilities in service provider systems has raised concerns about the potential for similar attacks on other critical infrastructure. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Rodriguez emphasized the need for airports to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in robust defenses against such attacks. "Airports are critical infrastructure, and they must be protected from cyber threats," she said. The incident is also prompting calls for greater cooperation between governments and organizations to share intelligence and best practices on cybersecurity. Current Status: As of Saturday morning, authorities reported that some services had been restored at Brussels Airport, but passengers were still facing significant delays. At Berlin's Brandenburg Airport, airport operators were working to restore connections to the passenger handling systems. London Heathrow Airport reported that it was continuing to experience disruptions to flight schedules and operations. Next Developments: As authorities continue to investigate the attack, they are urging passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The incident is also prompting calls for greater investment in cybersecurity measures to prevent similar attacks in the future. In a statement, ENISA said it was working closely with airport authorities and other organizations to provide support and guidance on cybersecurity best practices. *Reporting by Npr.*