A major IT system failure has plunged two of Europe's key aviation hubs into chaos, causing severe delays, lengthy security queues, and significant disruption for thousands of passengers.
The technical meltdown, which struck on Tuesday, severely impacted operations at London Heathrow and Brussels airports. The issue was traced to a critical fault with the shared IT systems responsible for processing security documents and passenger data.
Scenes of Chaos and Mounting Frustration
At Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports, the failure led to enormous queues snaking through terminals. Passengers took to social media to express their frustration, posting images of crowded departure halls and reporting waits of several hours to clear security checkpoints.
The situation was similarly dire in Brussels, where the system crash caused substantial knock-on effects, grounding flights and leaving travellers stranded.
Official Responses and Apologies
Heathrow officials moved quickly to address the growing crisis. An airport spokesperson confirmed the technical issue, stating, "We are aware of a technical issue impacting the airport this morning. Our teams are working on this as a priority and we will provide further updates as soon as possible. We apologise for the impact this is having on passenger journeys."
Similarly, Brussels Airport acknowledged the problem was related to a "technical problem with the check-in system" that is utilised by multiple airlines across various airports.
Root of the Problem: A Shared System
The widespread nature of the disruption highlights the vulnerability of modern air travel, which often relies on third-party IT providers. The system that failed is understood to be a common platform used for processing API (Advanced Passenger Information) and PNR (Passenger Name Record) data, which is a mandatory security requirement for many international flights.
This incident raises serious questions about the resilience of critical infrastructure and the risks associated with centralised systems serving multiple major airports simultaneously.
Travel Advice for Affected Passengers
Passengers due to travel from either airport are strongly advised to:
- Check their flight status directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.
- Allow for extra time for check-in and security processes due to ongoing delays.
- Monitor official airport social media channels and websites for live updates.
While systems were eventually restored, the knock-on effects of the outage are expected to cause disruptions throughout the day, affecting both departing and arriving flights.
