Disruption of flights at several European airports, including London Heathrow and Berlin, due to a cyberattack on the service provider.
On September 19, 2025, a cyberattack targeted Collins Aerospace, a global service provider for check-in and boarding systems, causing significant disruption to flights at major European airports, including Brussels, London Heathrow, and Berlin.
The attack forced automated systems offline, leaving only manual check-in and boarding possible at Brussels Airport. London Heathrow Airport reported similar issues, with longer waiting times at check-in due to the technical issue at the system provider. Berlin Airport also experienced longer wait times due to the same technical problem at the system provider, which operates across Europe.
Teams are working on a quick solution for the technical issue at the system provider in Berlin. Additional colleagues are available in check-in areas at Heathrow Airport to assist and help minimize disruption. However, there is no estimated time for the resolution of the technical issue at the system providers in Brussels, London Heathrow, and Berlin.
Authorities and airlines have not provided a timeline for the full restoration of services at the affected airports. Passengers are asked to monitor the situation and be prepared for potential delays and cancellations at the affected airports.
Travellers are urged to arrive two hours in advance for Schengen flights and three hours for international departures from Brussels Airport. Heathrow Airport advises passengers to check their flight status with their airline before traveling.
Collins Aerospace provides check-in and boarding systems for several airlines across multiple airports globally. The company is experiencing a technical issue that may cause delays for departing passengers.
Passengers are asked to be patient and understanding during this time. The airport's service provider is actively working on the issue, and passengers are advised to check flight status with their airline before heading to the airport.
A tweet from Heathrow Airport regarding the issue was posted on September 20, 2025, advising passengers not to arrive more than three hours before long-haul flights or two hours for domestic flights. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
