Cyberattack at Major European Airports: “Brussels Airport Is the Worst Affected”
Brussels cancels half of all flights scheduled on Sunday as disruption lingers
A cyberattack on an IT service provider caused waiting times and delays at several European airports on Saturday, including Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). The airport announced that longer waiting times were also expected on Sunday.
Following the cyberattack on an airport service provider, passengers at BER and other European airports must expect further restrictions on Sunday. On Saturday, passengers could not be processed as usual due to delays, long queues, and cancellations.
The IT service provider Collins Aerospace was attacked on Friday evening. Due to the cyberattack, Berlin, Brussels, Dublin, and London Heathrow airports reported problems with passenger processing. BER Airport subsequently reportedly cut connections to the systems.
Collins Aerospace confirmed to the news agency dpa that it had experienced “a cyber-related disruption” at some airports. The US company operates in various areas of aerospace technology. In addition to manufacturing components for the aviation industry, Collins Aerospace also develops systems for military applications, according to its website.
It’s unclear how long the restrictions at BER will last. The airport’s website stated on Sunday morning, among other things: “Due to a technical problem, there will be longer waiting times.”
Online check-in at BER is working, the airport further stated. The airport also recommended using the facilities in the terminals, including self-check-in and baggage drop-off at the kiosks. However, this is not possible for people in wheelchairs, with strollers, or with bulky luggage. They must continue to use the counters.
On Saturday evening, a BER spokesperson explained that they were using paper checklists for checking in: “That’s why everything is taking longer.” The airport also set up a crisis team. At the same time, they announced: “The airport itself was not the target of the cyberattack and was only indirectly affected.”
No restrictions at other German airports
Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg airports reported they were not affected. Hanover, Dresden, Leipzig/Halle, Nuremberg, Bremen, and Cologne also reported normal operations. Münster Airport, however, was affected around 10:00 p.m. on Friday evening, a spokeswoman said. However, the airport was able to switch back to its own IT systems within 30 minutes. There were no impacts on passengers. It is unclear whether other airports are affected.
So far, other European airports have not reported any problems.
