A cyberattack at a provider of check-in and boarding systems disrupted operations on Saturday at several major European airports, causing flight delays and cancellations.
The disruption is the latest in a string of hacks targeting governments and companies across the world, hitting sectors from healthcare and defense to retail and autos.
At Heathrow, Berlin and Brussels, 29 flight departures and arrivals had been cancelled as of 11:30 GMT, aviation data provider Cirium said. In total, 651 departures were scheduled from Heathrow, 228 from Brussels and 226 from Berlin on Saturday. Dublin Airport said it was also facing minor impacts from the issue, along with Cork Airport, Ireland’s second biggest after Dublin.
According to a spokesperson for the Brussels airport, airlines have been asked to cancel half of Sunday’s scheduled departing flights due to the ongoing disruption. Passengers were advised to confirm their flight status with airlines before going to the airport.
A European Commission spokesperson said Saturday that the Commission is closely monitoring the incident. While passengers are facing disruption, aviation safety and air traffic control remain unaffected, the spokesperson added.
The Commission said that it is working with related agencies to restore operations and that current indications do not point to a large-scale or severe cyberattack.
British Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was receiving regular updates on the situation. British and German cyber defense authorities said they were in touch with their respective airports over the matter.
(With input from agencies)
European airports snarled by cyberattack
