An unprecedented cyberattack targeting a provider of check-in and boarding systems has caused massive disruptions at major European airports. Thousands of passengers remain stranded, while flight cancellations and delays are hitting London, Berlin and Brussels, creating scenes of panic and tension in the terminals.
Brussels: First Athens flight canceled
According to ERT, the first flight affected for Greece was Aegean flight 623 from Brussels to Athens, which was scheduled to depart at 8:00 PM on Sunday evening. The flight was ultimately canceled, leaving dozens of passengers waiting without a clear timeline for updates.
Cyberattacks: The situation at airports
At Brussels airport, the impact is massive. It has already been announced that 50% of departures were canceled on Sunday, while the same cancellation rate is expected for Monday, September 22. The scene at the airport resembles chaos, with long queues, desperate passengers and dozens of flights going off schedule.
Meanwhile, London and Berlin are experiencing similar problems, as airlines are unable to proceed with safe and organized check-in, leaving travelers in a state of limbo.
The role of Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, the provider of critical passenger registration and control systems, is at the center of the crisis. As became known, it has not yet delivered a secure and updated version of the software, essential for full restoration of operations. This inability has paralyzed half of Brussels airport, bringing thousands of travelers to desperation.
The situation in Athens
So far, Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” does not appear to be facing serious problems from the cyberattack, however concerns remain. The cancellation of the Brussels to Athens flight represents the first “warning bell” and shows that the impact could be broader if the situation is not resolved immediately.
Uncertainty prevails, cancellations are multiplying and traveler anxiety is peaking, as it remains unknown when normal airport operations will be restored.
