Published on
September 22, 2025
A wave of travel disruptions has swept across the UK, Germany, Belgium, France, and several other countries as British Airways cancels 17 flights due to a massive cyberattack. The attack has caused significant delays, including 187 at major airports, and stranded passengers at London Heathrow, Brussels, Barcelona, and more. Affected travelers have been left frustrated as they face uncertainty regarding their flights and travel plans. British Airways has confirmed the cancellation of numerous flights, with the impact being felt across Europe. Passengers at key hubs like Heathrow and Brussels have experienced long waits, while many were unable to board their originally scheduled flights. This cyberattack has severely disrupted the airline’s operations, forcing British Airways to implement manual check-in procedures at affected airports. The airline is working tirelessly to resolve the issue, but the situation remains fluid as travelers continue to experience delays and cancellations.
Affected Cities and Airports
The affected airports and cities include London Heathrow (LHR) in the United Kingdom, Berlin-Brandenburg (BER) in Germany, Brussels (BRU) in Belgium, Marseille Provence (MRS) in France, Barcelona International (BCN) in Spain, and Amerigo Vespucci (Florence) (FLR) in Italy. These airports are all key locations for the British Airways flights affected by the cancellations.
Flight CancellationsIdentTypeOriginDestinationScheduled Departure TimeBAW982A319London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Berlin-Brandenburg (BER / EDDB)Sun 07:20AM BSTBAW392A320London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Brussels (BRU / EBBR)Sun 07:50AM BSTBAW393A320Brussels (BRU / EBBR)London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Sun 10:50AM CESTBAW979A319Berlin-Brandenburg (BER / EDDB)London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Sun 11:05AM CESTBAW992A319London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Berlin-Brandenburg (BER / EDDB)Sun 12:55PM BSTBAW993A319Berlin-Brandenburg (BER / EDDB)London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Sun 04:55PM CESTBAW369A319Marseille Provence (MRS / LFML)London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Sun 06:30PM CESTBAW488A20NLondon Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Barcelona Int’l (BCN / LEBL)Sun 05:30PM BSTBAW520A20NLondon Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Amerigo Vespucci (Florence) (FLR / LIRQ)Sun 07:05PM BSTBAW482A319London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Barcelona Int’l (BCN / LEBL)Sun 07:30PM BSTBAW489A20NBarcelona Int’l (BCN / LEBL)London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Sun 09:30PM CESTBAW521A20NAmerigo Vespucci (Florence) (FLR / LIRQ)London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Mon 07:15AM CESTBAW477A319Barcelona Int’l (BCN / LEBL)London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Mon 07:50AM CESTBAW392A20NLondon Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Brussels (BRU / EBBR)Mon 07:55AM BSTBAW396A20NLondon Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Brussels (BRU / EBBR)Mon 10:50AM CESTBAW397A20NBrussels (BRU / EBBR)London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)Mon 06:20PM BSTAffected Routes
The affected routes are flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Berlin-Brandenburg (BER), London Heathrow (LHR) to Brussels (BRU), and from Brussels (BRU) to London Heathrow (LHR). Additionally, there are flights from Berlin-Brandenburg (BER) to London Heathrow (LHR), London Heathrow (LHR) to Marseille Provence (MRS), and London Heathrow (LHR) to Barcelona International (BCN). Lastly, there are flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Amerigo Vespucci (Florence) (FLR), as well as from Barcelona International (BCN) to London Heathrow (LHR) and from Amerigo Vespucci (Florence) (FLR) to London Heathrow (LHR).
Reason Behind Cancellations
The MUSE software failure led to widespread travel chaos, particularly affecting British Airways, which was forced to cancel flights from key European airports. The cyberattack resulted in significant delays at major hubs, such as London Heathrow, where nearly 90% of flights were delayed. At Brussels Airport, more than 50 flights were canceled, with additional cancellations expected as the airline worked to manage the backlog of passengers. Over 187 delays occurred in total, impacting thousands of travelers.
In Berlin, nearly three-quarters of all flights experienced delays, causing frustration for passengers who had to wait for extended periods. Airports across Europe, including Dublin and Cork, also faced disruptions, although these were less severe. The delays and cancellations, which continued throughout the weekend, have significantly disrupted travel plans for people flying both domestically and internationally.
Passengers Left Stranded
Passengers affected by the cyberattack have faced a difficult ordeal. Many were unaware of the scale of the disruption until they arrived at the airport and saw long queues and delayed flights. Travelers at London Heathrow, Brussels, and Barcelona were among the most severely affected, as these airports experienced the highest volume of delays and cancellations.
What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide
Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:
Stay Updated
Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.
Stay Calm and Check for Updates
As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.
Contact the Airline
Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.
Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.
Consider Alternative Flights
Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.
The cyberattack on Collins Aerospace has caused significant disruptions to air travel across Europe, with British Airways being one of the hardest-hit airlines. Passengers have faced frustration as delays and cancellations have thrown their travel plans into disarray. While efforts are underway to restore normal operations, the incident highlights the vulnerability of the aviation industry to cyber threats and underscores the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.
As British Airways and other airlines work to mitigate the disruptions, passengers are advised to check their flight status and be prepared for ongoing delays. With recovery efforts ongoing, it remains to be seen how quickly normal operations will resume across Europe’s busiest airports.
Source: FlightAware
Image Source: British Airways
