A major cyber attack has thrown two of Europe's key aviation hubs into disarray, causing significant travel misery for thousands of passengers. Both Brussels Airport (BRU) and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) are grappling with severe IT system failures following the digital assault.
The attack has targeted a critical external service provider, crippling essential IT infrastructure. This has forced airport staff to revert to time-consuming manual check-in and baggage processing systems, leading to massive queues and operational slowdowns.
Impact on Passengers
The fallout for travellers has been immediate and severe:
- Widespread Flight Delays: Dozens of flights have been subject to lengthy delays as ground handling operations struggle.
- Numerous Cancellations: Several flights, particularly at Brussels Airport, have been outright cancelled to manage the backlog.
- Manual Processing: Passengers are facing long waits as all processes, from check-in to boarding pass checks, are done by hand.
Authorities at both airports have urgently advised all passengers to check their flight status directly with their airline before travelling to the airport. They also recommend allowing for significantly more time than usual for check-in and security procedures.
Ongoing Response and Investigation
Airport IT teams and cybersecurity experts are working around the clock to contain the breach and restore full system functionality. The priority remains stabilising operations and minimising further disruption. An investigation into the source and nature of the attack is already underway.
This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of critical transport infrastructure to sophisticated cyber threats, raising serious questions about resilience and contingency planning in the aviation sector.
