Cyberattack Against Aviation Technology Company Continues To Disrupt Traffic at European Airports
As a result of the ransomware attack several major European airports, including London Heathrow, experienced flight cancellations and significant delays this weekend.
Travellers wait in the terminal at Heathrow Airport on September 20, 2025 amid a major ransomware attack on aviation company Collins Aerospace that began on September 19.
Justin Tallis / AFP
As a result of the ransomware attack several major European airports, including London Heathrow, experienced flight cancellations and significant delays this weekend.
Brussels Airport cancelled only 44 departing flights on Sunday, despite a request from the air traffic control authority Skeyes to ground half of all outbound passenger flights due to a major cyberattack.
Zaventem Airport continues to experience disruptions, with check-in operations being carried out manually – resulting in long queues and delays. Passengers are being advised to arrive early and prepare for long waiting times at check-in counters as manual procedures continue.
The problems began on Friday evening when Collins Aerospace, a U.S.-based company providing external check-in and boarding systems, was hit by a ransomware attack. The hackers encrypted data on the company’s servers and are now demanding a ransom. As a result, airlines have been forced to switch to manual check-in procedures, significantly slowing down operations across the continent.
Several major airports, including Berlin Brandenburg and London Heathrow, have also been affected. Heathrow reported flight cancellations and significant delays on Saturday.
