A major cyberattack on European airports on September 19, 2025, disrupted check-in and boarding systems, leading to long delays and cancellations. Passengers at major hubs, including Brussels, Berlin, and London Heathrow, faced hours of travel chaos.
Systems Breached Across Europe
The attack targeted Collins Aerospace, a key aviation technology supplier responsible for check-in and baggage handling systems. Several airports were forced to switch to manual processing.
Brussels Airport spokesperson Ihsane Chioua Lekhli confirmed the breach: “An external cyberattack disabled our system, forcing us to process passenger data manually. This is causing severe delays and long queues.”
Collins Aerospace Under Scrutiny
Collins Aerospace, a global aviation and defense leader with more than 80,000 employees, now faces serious cybersecurity concerns. The incident exposed weaknesses in systems vital to smooth airport operations across the continent.
Experts Raise Alarm
Travel and aviation analyst Paul Charles described the breach as “rare and extremely concerning.” According to him, hackers managed to access core systems airlines depend on for passenger management. He warned that the attack highlights urgent vulnerabilities in the aviation sector’s digital infrastructure.
Advice for Passengers
Airports continue working to restore full functionality, but disruptions are expected to persist in the short term. Travelers are advised to:
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Check flight status updates before arriving at the airport.
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Arrive earlier than usual to account for longer lines at check-in.
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Monitor airline alerts through official apps and websites.
Industry experts note that while cyberattacks on airports are uncommon, this incident underscores the growing threat of digital disruptions in global aviation.
