Cyberattack Wreaks Havoc on European Air Travel, Hundreds of Flights Delayed at Heathrow and Beyond

Hundreds of Flights Delayed at Heathrow and Other Airports After Apparent Cyberattack A cyber-related incident on Friday led to significant delays for travelers at major European airports, including London's Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. Collins Aerospace, a leading provider of technology for airline check-in desks, reported the issue, which forced airlines to revert to manual check-ins. As of 11am on Sunday morning, more than 130 flights at Heathrow had been delayed by 20 minutes or more, with 13 flights canceled on Saturday. The airport's social media account attributed the delays to a "Fridays outage" of Collins Aerospace's airline system that impacted check-in processes. "We apologize to those who have faced delays," the post read. "By working together with airlines, the vast majority of flights have continued to operate." The incident highlights the increasing reliance on technology in modern air travel and the potential risks associated with it. According to Flightradar24 data, Heathrow was not alone in experiencing disruptions, with several other European airports also reporting delays. "It's a wake-up call for the industry," said an airline spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous. "We need to be more vigilant about our cybersecurity measures and ensure that we have robust backup systems in place." The use of technology in check-in processes has become increasingly widespread in recent years. Collins Aerospace's system is designed to streamline the process, allowing passengers to quickly and easily print their boarding passes. However, the incident also underscores the importance of manual checks as a failsafe measure. "In an era where automation is becoming more prevalent, it's essential that we don't forget about the human element," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Oxford. As airports continue to work towards resolving the issue, travelers are advised to arrive early for their flights. Heathrow has recommended that passengers arrive at least three hours before departure for long-haul flights and two hours beforehand for short-haul flights. The incident is expected to have significant implications for the aviation industry, with airlines and airport operators likely to review their cybersecurity measures in light of the disruption. In a statement, Collins Aerospace said it was working closely with affected airlines to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. "We apologize for any inconvenience caused and are committed to ensuring that our systems are secure and reliable," the company said. As airports work towards resuming normal operations, passengers can expect delays to continue in the short term. However, experts say that the incident is a valuable opportunity for the industry to learn from its mistakes and improve its cybersecurity measures. "We're at a critical juncture in terms of our reliance on technology," Dr. Taylor said. "It's essential that we prioritize security and take proactive steps to mitigate risks." *Reporting by Techcrunch.*