European Flights Disrupted by Cyberattack

Etihad Flights Delayed in EU: Cyberattack Cripples Check-in Systems

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways, experienced significant disruptions in the ground handling of its European flights after a cyberattack on Saturday affected airport service systems at several key European airports. The incident particularly impacted Brussels International Airport and London's Heathrow Airport, which are two of the continent's busiest hubs and play crucial roles in international aviation.

As a result of the attack, the automated check-in systems became unusable, meaning that passenger check-in and boarding were only possible through manual methods, leading to significant delays and the cancellation of some flights.

Background of the Technical Issue

According to Reuters, the systems of Collins Aerospace were targeted in the attack. This company plays a key role in providing check-in and boarding services at many airports worldwide. The technical glitch had a serious impact on passenger handling since the system shutdown made automatic check-in processes impossible.

The official statement from Brussels Airport indicated that as a consequence of the attack, all automatic check-in and boarding systems were down, meaning passengers could only be processed manually. This "has a serious impact on the flight schedule, unfortunately causing delays and even flight cancellations."

Etihad's Response: Flexibility and Human Resources

Etihad Airways, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, swiftly responded to the situation. In their statement, they noted that "due to the technical failure affecting Brussels International Airport and London Heathrow Airport, check-in processes are taking longer than usual." The airline's staff are providing increased assistance to passengers on-site and asking everyone to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to help minimize potential delays.

The airline emphasized that technicians are working intensely to restore the system as soon as possible, apologizing to passengers for the inconvenience and highlighting that the events are beyond their control.

Affected and Unaffected Airlines

While Etihad flights are affected by delays, other airlines have reacted differently to the events. Dubai-based Emirates, for example, stated that their operations are not significantly impacted. This is because Emirates flights primarily operate at airports or via systems that were not victimized by the cyberattack.

Indian airline Air India—which handles significant passenger traffic between the UAE and the UK—also acknowledged the issues. According to the company's statement, "the disruptions experienced at Heathrow might impact the check-in process." Passengers are urged to complete their check-in online before arriving at the airport to reduce congestion and minimize the degradation of the passenger experience.

Frankfurt and Zurich Unaffected by the Chaos

Representatives of the Frankfurt and Zurich airports confirmed that their systems were not affected by the attack. This also indicates that Collins Aerospace systems are not standardized at all European airports, or that the attack was targeted or had a partial scope.

Cybersecurity in Aviation

The recent events again highlight how vulnerable global transportation infrastructures can be to digital attacks. The automation of airport operations undoubtedly increases efficiency, but every automated system is also a potential target. Such an attack not only causes technical issues but can trigger a chain reaction that halts flights, alters travel plans, and even potentially causes economic damage.

The recent actions of Etihad and other airlines—especially involving human resources to bridge the technical failure—offer an important lesson. Flexibility and quick adaptation have become crucial in the aviation world, particularly when the reliability of digital infrastructure is not guaranteed.

What Can Passengers Do in Such a Situation?

Incidents like this also demonstrate the importance of passengers being prepared. Online check-in is not just a convenience feature but a safety and time-management advantage, especially in emergencies. Additionally, it can be useful to follow official airline communications, airport updates, and use travel apps' capabilities.

For example, Etihad communicated with passengers in real-time via their digital channels, helping clarify the confusing situation. Such transparent operation can contribute to maintaining passenger trust in the airline even during critical times.

Conclusion

Saturday's cyberattack again highlighted the serious challenges modern aviation faces, especially in the realm of digital service systems. Although Etihad Airways flights suffered significant delays, the airline's quick and passenger-friendly response helped mitigate the issues. The experience offers lessons for both operators and passengers alike: in the future, even greater attention needs to be paid to cybersecurity and appropriate crisis management protocols.

(Source: Etihad airline statement.)