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Issues impacting multiple airports across Europe today (LHR, BRU, BER)?

(I’m currently in Italy, our TV is tuned to BBC News and this was just presented as Breaking News…so this is preliminary and probably subject to updates/revision as more is learned about exactly what’s going on…)

BBC is reporting there is reportedly a “technical issue” at London Heathrow which has knocked out some computer systems at the airport (check-ins, baggage check are mentioned) and they’re warning of potential delays as they’re going to do this “manually”. They are also reporting similar issues at Brussels and Berlin, which some are describing as a cyber attack. The story mentions Collins Aerospace, a company that runs these systems, as a possible target. Details are sketchy right now, I’d expect more will become evident soon, but commentators are ominously referring to delays which would be expected to quickly grow if they have to manually check in passengers and baggage.

Maybe it’ll be nothing, maybe it’ll be a mess. If you are flying through LHR, BRU or BER (and possibly other European airports) today, best to check flight status and watch for any breaking news. Hopefully it turns out to be nothing. Good luck.

Posted by
11031 posts

Good note, David. I just got home (flew into CDG this morning from ATL), and my husband had the Italian news on the TV when I walked in 15 minutes ago, and it too is warning of cyberattacks impacting several European airports.

Hoping the authorities and company experts can get this fixed quickly. Thinking of anyone out there trying to get somewhere !

(CDG seemed fine- I mean, busy and airless with loooong queues for immigration, but normal)

Posted by
17970 posts

I'm in the UK watching BBC news.

They are reporting that the parent company of Collins Aerospace is confirming it is a cyberattack but only affecting Heathrow, Brussels and Berlin.

At least as of now......no other airports have reported any issues as of my writing this.

This Associated Press is also reporting:

The company’s system doesn’t offer direct check-in for passenger, but provides the technology that allows passengers to check themselves in, print boarding passes and bag tags, and dispatch their own luggage, all from a kiosk.

Posted by
3058 posts

I work in the cyber security field and just saw an alert on my company email that indicated this may also be affecting some smaller airports, but they didn’t list out which ones just said the impacted products were in use at some small airports

The company has taken the system completely off-line for obvious reasons so if anyone is using it, they’re in trouble

The other big risk that everybody is monitoring is did this spread from that system into anyone else’s systems

Posted by
165 posts

Just wanted to say thank you to those of you that share your insights when these sorts of events happen. It's helpful and appreciated.

Posted by
16112 posts

Thanks for the information, David!