Passengers departing from Heathrow Airport are facing delays due to issues with the check-in and boarding systems caused by a cyberattack on a service provider. Technical problems have been observed at the airport, leading to long queues and delays for departing passengers. A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport mentioned that a third-party supplier handling check-in and boarding systems for multiple airlines across various airports is experiencing technical difficulties, which might lead to delays. The provider is actively working to resolve the issue. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status with the airline before heading to the airport to avoid inconvenience.
Similar disruptions have been reported at other European airports like Brussels and Berlin, following cyberattacks that affected online check-in and boarding systems. The cyberattack targeted Collins Aerospace, a service provider working with several airlines at airports worldwide. The European Commission is closely monitoring the situation, ensuring aviation safety and air traffic control remain unaffected. Despite the disruptions, efforts are being made to restore operations and support affected passengers. There are ongoing long queues at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4, causing passengers to endure extended wait times and prompting airport staff to implement additional queue management measures.
Concerns have been raised regarding potential Russian involvement in the cyberattack, with demands for a statement from the government. Security experts suggest a possible link to Russia due to Collins Aerospace’s contract with NATO. Speculations indicate that Russia might be behind the cyber attack targeting NATO countries. The disruptions have led to cancellations and delays at various airports, with passengers expressing frustration over the prolonged waiting times and lack of information provided by airport staff. The incident has prompted increased vigilance and security measures at affected airports to mitigate the impact of the cyberattack.
Transport Minister Heidi Alexander acknowledged the situation at Heathrow Airport and advised passengers to stay informed about their flights before traveling. Passengers have been urged to arrive at the airport no earlier than three hours before their flight to reduce congestion. The company providing online check-in and boarding services confirmed a cyber-related disruption affecting multiple airports, including Heathrow. Heathrow Airport continues to work with Collins Aerospace to address the technical issues and minimize disruptions for passengers. The cyberattack has caused disruptions at several European airports, leading to manual check-in and boarding procedures and potential flight delays. The impacted airports are actively managing the situation to ensure minimal disruption to operations.