A severe cyberattack has thrown Brussels Airport into chaos, forcing the cancellation of at least 22 flights and causing major delays for passengers during the busy Easter break.
The airport's official website and mobile application were deliberately targeted and knocked offline by hackers, severely hampering operations. The attack has crippled key systems that passengers rely on, including the flight information screens.
Travel Chaos as Passengers Face Long Queues
Travellers were confronted with extensive queues and significant uncertainty as the IT systems failed. With the flight information screens blank, many were left in the dark about their departure gates and times, relying on old-fashioned whiteboards and manual announcements from staff.
An airport spokesperson confirmed the digital assault, stating: "We are currently experiencing a cyberattack. That is why our website is down and the app is not working. We are actively working on this."
Airport Operations Severely Impacted
The ripple effect of the attack was felt across the airport's ecosystem:
- Check-in and Baggage Drop: Major delays were reported at counters, causing long snaking lines.
- Flight Information: The main display screens were inoperative, a primary source of information for thousands of passengers.
- Communication: The official website and app, crucial for real-time updates, remained inaccessible for hours.
Passengers were urged to arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure and to directly contact their airlines for the latest flight information.
Ongoing Investigation and Response
Airport technical teams are working around the clock to contain the attack and restore full system functionality. The nature of the cyberattack and the identity of the perpetrators remain unknown at this time.
This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of critical travel infrastructure to digital threats, with the potential to cause widespread disruption and inconvenience for thousands of people.
