Cyberattack Brings European Airports to Standstill, Thousands Affected by System Failures

Europe's Airports Hit by Cyberattack, Thousands Affected A suspected cyberattack on Sunday, September 20, 2025, crippled the check-in systems of major international aviation hubs across Europe, including London's Heathrow airport and Berlin's Brandenburg airport. The attack caused cancellations and delays for thousands of passengers, with over 200,000 people transiting through Heathrow daily. According to Heathrow airport officials, they are still trying to resolve and recover from the outage of their airline system. "We apologize to our customers who have faced delays due to this issue," a spokesperson said in a statement. The airport's check-in systems were affected by the cyberattack, causing long queues and disruptions for passengers. The attack is believed to have occurred on Sunday morning, with reports emerging of similar issues at other European airports. "We are working closely with our partners to resolve the issue as quickly as possible," said a Heathrow spokesperson. In July, Heathrow recorded over 7.9 million outbound and inbound passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in Europe. The cyberattack has raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats. "This is a wake-up call for the aviation industry," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a cybersecurity expert at the University of London. "Airports need to invest in robust security measures to protect against these types of attacks." The European Union's Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has been informed about the incident and is working closely with airports to assess the situation. As of Monday morning, Heathrow airport reported that some flights had resumed, but passengers were still facing delays. The airport urged travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. The investigation into the cyberattack is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the source and extent of the attack. In the meantime, airports are advising passengers to be prepared for further disruptions. This incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and the need for robust security measures to prevent such incidents in the future. As Dr. Taylor noted, "The aviation industry needs to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity to protect against these types of attacks." Background: Cyberattacks have become increasingly common in recent years, with major organizations across various industries falling victim to hacking attempts. The aviation industry is particularly vulnerable due to its reliance on complex technology and interconnected systems. In 2020, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a significant increase in cyber threats against airlines and airports. The association has since emphasized the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against these types of attacks. Implications: The cyberattack on Europe's airports highlights the importance of investing in robust security measures to prevent such incidents in the future. As Dr. Taylor noted, "Airports need to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity to protect against these types of attacks." Real-world applications: The aviation industry can learn from this incident and implement robust security measures to prevent similar cyberattacks in the future. This includes investing in advanced threat detection systems, implementing regular security updates, and providing employee training on cybersecurity best practices. Current Status: As of Monday morning, Heathrow airport reported that some flights had resumed, but passengers were still facing delays. The airport urged travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Next Developments: The investigation into the cyberattack is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the source and extent of the attack. In the meantime, airports are advising passengers to be prepared for further disruptions. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*