Passengers at Heathrow Airport are facing delays in check-in and boarding processes due to technical issues caused by a cyberattack on a third-party service provider. The disruptions have led to long queues and delays of up to three hours for passengers trying to complete the check-in process.
Heathrow Airport officials have acknowledged the situation, stating that the service provider handling check-in and boarding systems for multiple airlines at various airports is working to resolve the technical problem promptly. Passengers are advised to verify their flight status with their respective airlines before heading to the airport to avoid further inconvenience.
Similar cyber-related problems have been reported at other European airports like Brussels and Berlin, where online check-in and boarding systems were also affected by cyberattacks targeting Collins Aerospace, a service provider working with numerous airlines worldwide.
In response to the disruptions, the European Commission is closely monitoring the situation to ensure aviation safety and air traffic control remain unaffected. While the cyberattack has caused inconvenience for passengers, efforts are being made to restore normal operations in collaboration with relevant authorities and organizations.
The ongoing disruptions at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4 have resulted in extended queues with passengers resorting to sitting on their luggage due to limited seating availability. The situation has sparked concerns about potential Russian involvement in the cyberattack, with calls for a swift government response to address such security threats.
Security analysts suggest a possible link between the cyberattack and Russian hackers targeting Nato countries, raising alarms about the vulnerability of shared systems in the aviation industry. The affected service provider, Collins Aerospace, has assured that efforts are underway to address the cyber-related disruption and restore full functionality to minimize the impact on passengers.
Passengers are advised to stay updated on the latest developments regarding flight schedules and airport operations amidst the ongoing cyber disruptions. The aviation industry faces increasing cybersecurity challenges, with hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in shared platforms used by multiple airlines and airports, leading to widespread disruptions and delays across borders.
