Algiers – dzwatch
Several major European airports were hit by a large-scale cyberattack on Saturday, causing widespread disruptions in passenger check-in and boarding systems. The incident led to delays and cancellations at Brussels, Berlin, and London Heathrow airports, raising new concerns about the fragility of Europe’s digital infrastructure.
Brussels Airport confirmed in a statement that the cyberattack disabled its automated systems, forcing airlines to rely solely on manual check-in and boarding procedures. This shift created chaos among travelers and disrupted the entire flight schedule.
“The service provider is working at full capacity to resolve the issue, but significant delays and cancellations are unfortunately inevitable,” the airport operator said.
Heathrow Airport in London admitted that its operations were affected but described the disruption as a “technical problem.” According to its management, the attack targeted an external service provider that supplies check-in and boarding systems to several airlines. Efforts are ongoing to restore normal operations, though passengers have already experienced noticeable delays.
Berlin’s main airport reported that the system used for passenger registration was struck by the cyberattack late Friday night. As a result, airport authorities decided to cut off all affected networks to contain the damage. This decision has led to long waiting times and flight delays throughout Saturday.
“The attack did not directly target the airport itself but came through the external provider,” the airport clarified.
The incident highlights a critical vulnerability: Europe’s heavy dependence on private digital service providers to manage strategic infrastructure. Cybersecurity experts warn that without stronger sovereign oversight and defensive systems, European airports and airlines will remain easy targets for similar attacks.
Observers argue that the attack comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, serving as a reminder that cyberwarfare is now a central tool in undermining national and regional security. Analysts note that this disruption is not just an operational failure but a strategic warning about the risks Europe faces if it continues to outsource vital digital systems without sufficient protection.
