Hackers ground hundreds of European flights – how will this affect your travel plans?
Travellers stranded: passengers face cancellations and long queues as cyberattack cripples check-in systems across Europe
Passengers across Europe are bracing for another day of disruption after a cyberattack on Collins Aerospace check-in software paralysed operations at some of the continent’s busiest hubs. Brussels Airport has confirmed that almost half of its Monday departures will be cancelled, while London Heathrow and Berlin airports continue to face queues, delays and manual boarding.
The outage began on Friday, when hackers targeted Collins Aerospace’s MUSE check-in and boarding system, forcing airports to switch to manual processes. While services are gradually improving at Heathrow and Berlin, Brussels remains the worst affected.
Officials from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre and the European Commission are monitoring the attack, which comes amid a reported 600% surge in cyberattacks on the aviation sector in the past year.
What travellers need to know:
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Why are flights being cancelled in Brussels, Berlin and Heathrow?
Because the Collins Aerospace software that powers check-in and boarding was hacked, causing system outages.
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How long will European flight disruption last?
Collins Aerospace says it is close to finalising software updates, but no confirmed resolution timeline has been given.
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What are my passenger rights if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
Under EU261 and UK regulations, you may be entitled to compensation, re-routing, meals and accommodation depending on the delay length.
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Which airports are worst affected?
Brussels has cancelled nearly 50% of departures, while Heathrow and Berlin continue to face moderate delays.
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Can I check in online to avoid disruption?
Yes – passengers who complete online check-in and travel with hand luggage are less affected by airport queues.
Industry concerns
The aviation industry is increasingly worried about rising cybersecurity threats. Analysts warn that critical infrastructure like airports is becoming a prime target, with attackers seeking to cause maximum disruption.
