Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Travel Chaos Continues to Strike Europe Following Cyberattack as Vueling Airlines Faces 62 Cancellations Across Airports in Spain, UK, Belgium, Portugal, Germany
Published on
September 22, 2025
Travel chaos continues to strike Europe as a cyberattack on Collins Aerospace has caused widespread disruption across the continent. Vueling Airlines, one of Europe’s leading low-cost carriers, has been hit hard, facing a staggering 62 cancellations across major airports in Spain, the UK, Belgium, Portugal, and Germany. Passengers flying from cities like Barcelona, Brussels, London Gatwick, and Malaga have been particularly affected, with both domestic and international flights grounded. This ongoing disruption has left travelers stranded, scrambling to find alternative routes.
The cyberattack, which targeted crucial airline check-in and boarding systems, has crippled automated processes, forcing airlines to revert to slower, manual methods. As the effects continue to ripple through European airports, passengers are advised to stay updated and be prepared for further delays.
Affected Airports and Cities Across Europe
Vueling Airlines has experienced disruptions affecting several major airports and cities across Europe, including:
- Alicante (ALC / LEAL), Spain
- Barcelona International (BCN / LEBL), Spain
- Brussels Airport (BRU / EBBR), Belgium
- Malaga (AGP / LEMG), Spain
- San Pablo (SVQ / LEZL), Spain
- Palma de Mallorca (PMI / LEPA), Spain
- Porto / Oporto (OPO / LPPR), Portugal
- London Gatwick (LGW / EGKK), United Kingdom
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS / EHAM), Netherlands
- Berlin Brandenburg (BER / EDDB), Germany
- Granada (GRX / LEGR), Spain
- Santander (SDR / LEXJ), Spain
- Vigo-Peinador (VGO / LEVX), Spain
- Marco Polo Venice (VCE / LIPZ), Italy
- Leonardo da Vinci International (FCO / LIRF), Italy
- Nantes Atlantique (NTE / LFRS), France
Analysis of the Most Impacted Airport: Barcelona International Airport (BCN / LEBL)
Among the airports listed in the data, Barcelona International Airport (BCN / LEBL) has been the most significantly impacted by delays and cancellations involving Vueling Airlines. This is unsurprising, as Barcelona is a major hub for Vueling, a key base for many of their domestic and international flights. The scale of disruptions at this airport illustrates the broader challenges facing the airline, particularly during peak travel times.
Delays and Cancellations at Barcelona International Airport (BCN / LEBL)
From the data provided, the following flights from Barcelona International Airport have been delayed or cancelled:
Total Number of Affected Flights:
- Delays: At least 14 flights departing from Barcelona have been delayed.
- Cancellations: Multiple flights have been cancelled, including those to popular destinations like Brussels, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca.
Cancellations:
- To and from Malaga (AGP / LEMG): Several flights from Barcelona to Malaga were cancelled, affecting both inbound and outbound flights. Malaga is a key destination for both leisure and business travel, so this cancellation disrupted travel plans for a large number of passengers.
- To and from Brussels (BRU / EBBR): The cancellations of flights to and from Brussels reflect the extent of the operational difficulties at Vueling, causing inconvenience for travelers heading to and from Belgium.
- To and from Porto (OPO / LPPR): With fewer flights to Porto from Barcelona, these cancellations could severely affect connections to Portugal, a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers.
Implications for Affected Passengers at Barcelona Airport
For passengers flying from Barcelona International Airport, the disruption has been significant, with both delays and cancellations affecting numerous destinations. The high volume of affected flights from Barcelona indicates that Vueling’s operations at this airport were particularly vulnerable to the operational challenges caused by the cyberattack on Collins Aerospace.
Total Delays and Cancellations
Vueling Airlines has reported a total of 308 delays across its flights, which represent a substantial 43% of their total operations. This has left many passengers stranded or facing significant disruptions to their travel plans.
Additionally, in total, 62 cancellations have further complicated the situation, as flights between key European cities were either delayed or called off entirely. The cancellations, combined with the delays, have made it increasingly difficult for passengers to complete their journeys or make alternate arrangements.
The Cause of the Disruption
The chaos at Vueling Airlines is part of a broader disruption across European airports, particularly affecting major hubs such as London’s Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin Brandenburg. The ongoing operational challenges are being linked to a cyberattack on Collins Aerospace, which provides critical services for airline check-in and boarding systems. The outage began Friday evening and continues to cause widespread delays and cancellations, as airlines struggle to revert to manual check-in processes.
The cyberattack has resulted in significant delays at automated passenger control systems, forcing airlines like Vueling to rely on slower, labor-intensive manual processes. This has further exacerbated the delays, especially during busy travel periods.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
For passengers impacted by Vueling’s delays and cancellations, there are a few important steps to take:
- Check for Flight Status Updates
Passengers should regularly check the Vueling website or their flight status using the airline’s app for any updates on their flight. Given the volume of cancellations and delays, real-time information is essential. - Contact Customer Service
Vueling’s customer service team is available to assist affected passengers. Those experiencing cancellations may be offered rebooking on alternative flights or assistance with finding other travel options. However, with the backlog of delays, passengers are advised to be patient. - Know Your Rights
Passengers should familiarize themselves with their rights under EU flight delay and cancellation regulations. This includes compensation for significant delays, depending on the flight distance and duration of the disruption. Vueling is required to provide compensation and assistance in certain circumstances. - Seek Alternative Transportation
For passengers whose flights are cancelled, it may be advisable to consider alternative modes of transport, such as train services or intercity buses, particularly for short-haul routes. Major European cities are well-connected by high-speed trains that can provide a reliable alternative to flying. - Prepare for Longer Wait Times
With many passengers facing disruptions, travelers should be prepared for extended waiting times at airports. It’s important to remain patient, stay updated on flight information, and make necessary arrangements in advance, including accommodation if needed.
The Bigger Picture: Vulnerabilities in Aviation
This disruption highlights the vulnerabilities in the aviation sector’s supply chains, particularly when third-party service providers are involved. The cyberattack on Collins Aerospace sheds light on how dependent the airline industry has become on digital infrastructure for critical operations like check-in and boarding. As air travel across Europe continues to rebound, these disruptions raise important questions about the resilience of the aviation system and its ability to withstand cyber threats.
Passengers can expect more information as authorities and airlines continue to address the situation. However, for now, Vueling passengers must remain vigilant, monitor flight status closely, and be ready for potential changes to their travel plans.
Source: FlightAware
