Home » Airlines News of Europe » Belgium, Germany, United Kingdom, and Ireland Face Cyberattack Disruptions, Leading to Manual Check-ins and Cancellations, Leaving Travelers in Limbo at Heathrow, Berlin, Brussels, and Dublin: Why You Need to Know About It NOW!

Published on
September 22, 2025

Passengers traveling through Europe are facing continued disruptions due to a cyberattack that has targeted critical check-in and boarding systems across several major airports. The attack, which hit on Friday, September 19, 2025, affected some of the largest airports, including London Heathrow, Berlin Brandenburg, Brussels, and Dublin, causing flight delays and cancellations throughout the weekend and into Monday. Airports have been forced to revert to manual check-ins and backup systems to mitigate the impact, leading to significant delays for travelers. As the situation continues to evolve, passengers are advised to check flight statuses before traveling and plan for additional time at airports. The cyberattack specifically impacted software used by Collins Aerospace, the company responsible for automating check-in and boarding processes at airports worldwide. As European airports work tirelessly to resolve the issue, many passengers are experiencing longer wait times and manual procedures, adding strain to already busy travel hubs.

European Airports Face Chaos After Cyberattack Disrupts Check-In Systems

On Friday, September 19, 2025, a cyberattack targeted the systems of Collins Aerospace, the software provider responsible for the automated check-in and boarding systems at several European airports. The attack caused widespread disruption at airports in London, Brussels, Berlin, and Dublin, leading to long delays, cancellations, and manual check-in procedures that have continued into Monday, September 22, 2025.

Key Affected Airports:

  • London Heathrow: Flights have been impacted by the ongoing cyberattack, with travelers facing delays at check-in counters. The airport has been working with airlines to manage the situation.
  • Brussels Airport: The hardest hit by the disruption, Brussels had to cancel 140 flights on Monday. Passengers are urged to use online check-in where possible and check flight statuses before arriving.
  • Berlin Brandenburg Airport: While disruptions have eased since Sunday, the Berlin Marathon has increased passenger traffic, further complicating efforts to clear delays at the airport.
  • Dublin Airport: Delays have been reported at Terminal 2, where airlines are still relying on manual check-ins and issuing boarding passes by hand.

Cyberattack on Collins Aerospace Disrupts Flight Operations Across Europe

The cyberattack has caused significant disruption at several major European airports, especially those using Collins Aerospace software for check-in, boarding, and baggage handling systems. The Brussels Airport, in particular, saw the worst of the disruptions, leading to a decision to cancel nearly 140 flights on Monday, September 22. As Brussels Airlines is one of the most affected airlines, passengers have been told to check in online and expect manual check-in processes at the airport.

Airports Still Impacted by the Cyberattack:

  • Brussels Airport: Travelers were advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. The system provider has not yet delivered a secure version of the check-in system, which continues to cause delays and cancellations.
  • Berlin Brandenburg Airport: While some systems have been restored, delays remain. Passengers are urged to use online check-in, self-service kiosks, and fast bag drop services to speed up the process.
  • London Heathrow Airport: While many flights continued to operate over the weekend, work continues to fully restore the automated systems. Passengers are encouraged to arrive no earlier than three hours before a long-haul flight and two hours for a short-haul flight.

Impact on Airlines and Travelers

The cyberattack’s disruption has severely affected airline operations in multiple countries. While some airlines like Brussels Airlines and EasyJet have been forced to cancel flights, others are using manual procedures to check in passengers and issue boarding passes. The process has resulted in increased wait times, longer queues, and a general sense of uncertainty for travelers across Europe.

Key Airline Impacts:

  • Brussels Airlines: The airline is using manual check-ins due to the software failure, with many flights delayed or canceled. It is recommended that passengers use the Self Bag drop service and check in online to avoid delays.
  • EasyJet and Vueling: Both airlines have canceled six flights each, with delays expected to continue as long as manual check-in is required.
  • Dublin Airport: Terminal 2 is particularly impacted, where airlines are manually processing check-ins and bag tags. Passengers are advised to plan for longer wait times.

Airports Advise Passengers on How to Navigate Disruptions

As European airports continue to grapple with the aftermath of the cyberattack, passengers are advised to take the following steps to minimize disruption:

  • Check Flight Status: Ensure you check the status of your flight online before traveling to the airport.
  • Use Online Check-in: Most airlines and airports are encouraging passengers to check in online before arriving to streamline the process.
  • Plan for Longer Wait Times: Due to the reliance on manual procedures, passengers should expect longer waiting times at check-in counters and security.
  • Avoid Traveling if Flight Is Canceled: If your flight is canceled or delayed, consider contacting the airline for further instructions and avoid unnecessary travel to the airport.

Resolving the Issue: Collins Aerospace Working to Fix the System

Collins Aerospace, the company responsible for the affected check-in systems, has been working tirelessly to restore the software and ensure all systems are secure. In a statement on Monday morning, the company confirmed that updates are in the final stages, and they are working closely with impacted airports to resolve the issues. Although the situation has eased at some airports, delays and cancellations are expected to continue until the issue is fully resolved.

How to Avoid Travel Disruptions During Peak Travel Times

As airlines and airports work through these disruptions, passengers traveling through European airports should plan for additional time and follow these tips to avoid delays:

  • Check-in Early: Always check in online in advance to avoid any delays at the airport.
  • Arrive Early: For those traveling through Berlin, London, and Brussels, ensure that you arrive at least three hours before your long-haul flight and two hours before your short-haul flight.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up with updates from your airline and the airport to stay informed about the latest disruptions and possible cancellations.

Conclusion: Ongoing Disruptions Across European Airports

The cyberattack that struck Europe’s largest airports has caused widespread chaos for travelers, with Brussels, London, and Berlin being the hardest hit. While some airports have managed to restore their automated systems, disruptions continue, and passengers are advised to check the status of their flights before arriving at the airport. Although Collins Aerospace is working on a solution, travelers should prepare for the possibility of delays and cancellations in the coming days.

This situation highlights the growing vulnerabilities of automated systems in modern airports and underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure. Travelers should remain patient and informed while these issues are resolved.

Key Takeaways for Travelers:

  • Airports Affected: Brussels, London Heathrow, Berlin Brandenburg, Dublin, and other European hubs are dealing with flight delays and cancellations due to the cyberattack.
  • Check Flight Status: Always check flight statuses online before heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary travel.
  • Use Online Check-in: Passengers are encouraged to use online check-in and self-service kiosks to expedite the process.
  • Plan Extra Time: Expect longer waiting times at check-in counters and security due to manual procedures.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and plan accordingly when traveling through affected European airports.