20 September 2025 – Heathrow Airport has warned passengers of delays today after a cyberattack disrupted check-in and boarding systems across several major European airports, including Brussels and Berlin.
What Happened
The attack took place on Saturday, 20 September 2025, targeting a third-party IT supplier providing software for automated check-in and boarding systems. As a result, airports have been forced to switch to manual processing, creating bottlenecks at check-in desks and boarding gates.
Heathrow described the issue as a “technical problem with an external provider” and apologised to travellers, advising them to expect longer waiting times and to check flight status with their airlines before travelling.
Airports Affected
- Heathrow (London) – delays and long queues reported at departure terminals.
- Brussels Airport – several flight cancellations already confirmed.
- Berlin Airport – manual check-in in operation, leading to passenger frustration.
Other airports are monitoring the situation as the disruption could ripple across Europe’s aviation network.
Passenger Impact
- Delays and cancellations are already affecting flights to and from affected airports.
- Travellers are being urged to arrive earlier than usual and remain in contact with their airlines.
- Additional staff have been deployed to assist with the backlog.
Security Concerns
While no passenger data breach has yet been confirmed, the scale of the disruption highlights vulnerabilities in Europe’s aviation IT infrastructure. Airports and airlines rely heavily on shared technology suppliers, making them potential targets for cybercriminals.
Cybersecurity experts have warned that this incident could be part of a wider campaign to test the resilience of critical transport infrastructure.
What It Means for the Industry
This attack raises serious questions for the aviation sector:
- Cybersecurity investment – Airports may need to increase funding to protect IT systems.
- Third-party risk management – Stronger oversight of contractors and suppliers is required.
- Contingency planning – Robust manual backup systems and staffing need to be in place to minimise disruption.
Final Thoughts
For passengers and staff at Heathrow and beyond, the 20 September 2025 cyberattack is a stark reminder of how dependent modern travel is on digital systems. While operations are continuing, the impact on confidence and schedules is significant.
Travellers are advised to check with airlines before heading to the airport and allow extra time for check-in and boarding.
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