European Airport Disruption Continues After Weekend Cyber-Attack
Flight disruption across Europe is set to continue on Monday, with Brussels airport in Belgium asking airlines to cancel nearly half of their flights due to a cyber-attack that occurred on Friday. The attack disrupted the automatic check-in and boarding software used by several of Europe's busiest airports.
According to Collins Aerospace, the software provider responsible for the affected systems, they are currently in the final stages of completing necessary software updates. "We are actively working on resolving this issue as quickly as possible," a spokesperson from Brussels Airport stated. However, despite efforts to restore normal operations, delays and flight cancellations remained at several airports, including Berlin and London Heathrow.
The disruption had eased significantly by Sunday, but the impact of the cyber-attack is still being felt across Europe's aviation sector. According to industry insiders, the attack was particularly severe due to the reliance on automated systems for check-in and boarding processes. "This type of attack highlights the vulnerability of our critical infrastructure," said a security expert, who wished to remain anonymous.
The affected airports have been working closely with Collins Aerospace to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In a statement released on Monday morning, Collins Aerospace confirmed that they were in the final stages of completing necessary software updates and expected to complete them by the end of the day. However, it remains unclear when normal operations will be fully restored.
The cyber-attack is believed to have occurred on Friday evening, with several airports reporting disruptions to their automated systems shortly after. The affected airports include Brussels, Berlin, London Heathrow, and several others across Europe. According to industry insiders, the attack was likely carried out by a sophisticated group of hackers who exploited vulnerabilities in the software used by Collins Aerospace.
As the situation continues to unfold, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules and cancellations. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a statement urging airlines and airports to take necessary precautions to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The incident highlights the growing threat of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, including transportation systems. As the aviation sector continues to rely heavily on automated systems, the risk of disruption due to cyber-attacks remains a pressing concern for industry leaders and security experts alike.
In conclusion, the European airport disruption caused by the weekend cyber-attack is expected to continue into Monday, with Brussels airport asking airlines to cancel nearly half of their flights. The affected airports are working closely with Collins Aerospace to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, but it remains unclear when normal operations will be fully restored.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BBC Business.
