Thousands Affected as Heathrow Airport Hit by Cyber-Attack
A cyber-attack on several European airports, including London's Heathrow, has left thousands of passengers stranded with delayed or cancelled flights. According to reports, the electronic check-in and baggage system was affected, causing disruptions at multiple airlines.
The attack, which began on Saturday, continued into Sunday as a "technical issue" affected software provided to several airlines. Passengers were left waiting for hours, with some flights still grounded on Monday morning. The disruption has raised questions about airline responsibilities and passenger rights.
Airline Responsibilities
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines have a duty to look after passengers, according to the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This includes providing meals and accommodation if necessary, as well as getting passengers to their destination at no extra cost. Airlines should also organize putting passengers on alternative flights.
"We understand that this is an extremely frustrating situation for our customers," said a spokesperson for British Airways, one of the affected airlines. "We are working closely with airport authorities to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."
Passenger Rights
According to the European Union's (EU) Air Passenger Rights Regulation, passengers have the right to compensation in cases of flight delays or cancellations. The amount of compensation depends on the length of the delay and whether the passenger was informed about the disruption.
"Passengers have a right to be treated with dignity and respect," said a spokesperson for the EU's Transport Commissioner. "Airlines must provide adequate assistance, including meals and accommodation, if necessary."
Background
The cyber-attack is believed to be one of the largest disruptions to air travel in recent years. Heathrow Airport has been affected by several technical issues in the past year, but this incident is particularly severe.
"We take these incidents very seriously," said a spokesperson for Heathrow Airport. "We are working closely with airlines and airport authorities to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."
Current Status
As of Monday morning, many flights were still grounded at Heathrow Airport. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for updates on flight schedules and compensation.
In the meantime, passengers affected by the disruption can seek assistance from their airline or the UK's CAA. The EU's Air Passenger Rights Regulation also provides guidance on passenger rights in cases of flight delays or cancellations.
Next Steps
The investigation into the cyber-attack is ongoing, with airport authorities working closely with airlines and law enforcement agencies to identify the cause and prevent future disruptions.
Passengers are advised to stay informed about flight schedules and compensation through their airline's website or social media channels. The UK's CAA and EU's Transport Commissioner also provide guidance on passenger rights in cases of flight delays or cancellations.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: passengers have a right to be treated with dignity and respect, even in the face of technical disruptions.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Business and BBC Business.
