Overview of the Disruption
A cyberattack targeting a U.S.-based software system provider disrupted check-in and boarding systems at several major European airports over the weekend of September 19-20, 2025. The attack affected airports in London, Berlin, and Brussels, causing significant delays and cancellations.
Initial Disruptions and Response
The disruptions began on Friday night, September 19, and continued into the weekend. Airports affected included London's Heathrow, Berlin's Brandenburg, and Brussels Airport. The cyberattack targeted the electronic check-in and boarding systems, forcing airlines to switch to manual check-in and boarding processes.
Impact on Flights and Passengers
The disruptions had a significant impact on flight schedules. At Brussels Airport, 25 outbound flights were canceled on Saturday, and 50 on Sunday. The airport asked airlines to cancel nearly 140 departing flights scheduled for Monday. At Heathrow, over 130 flights were delayed as of Sunday morning. Berlin's Brandenburg Airport also experienced delays and cancellations.
Cause and Source of the Disruption
The cause of the disruption was confirmed to be a cyberattack on Collins Aerospace, a U.S.-based company that provides check-in and boarding systems to various airlines. The source of the attack has not been publicly disclosed.
Ongoing Impact and Recovery
As of Monday, September 21, the disruptions continued, with Brussels Airport asking airlines to cancel half of its departures. Heathrow and Berlin's Brandenburg Airport also continued to experience delays.
Airport and Airline Response
Airports and airlines affected by the disruption worked to minimize the impact on passengers. Manual check-in and boarding processes were implemented, and staff were deployed to assist with the backlog of passengers.
Future Implications
The cyberattack highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the aviation industry. The incident may lead to increased scrutiny of cybersecurity measures in place at airports and airlines.
Conclusion
The cyberattack on Collins Aerospace's check-in and boarding systems caused significant disruptions at major European airports over the weekend of September 19-20, 2025. The incident resulted in delays and cancellations, affecting thousands of passengers. The cause of the attack has been confirmed, but the source remains undisclosed.
The incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the aviation industry, where disruptions can have far-reaching consequences.