Brussels Airport is grappling with severe disruptions following a cyberattack that has crippled its check-in and boarding systems since late last week. Officials confirmed that the problems, which began on Friday evening, will continue throughout Monday and Tuesday, leaving passengers facing cancellations, delays, and long waits.
The source of the disruption lies with Collins Aerospace, a U.S.-based company that supplies the software enabling airlines and airports to manage passenger check-in and boarding. The company was targeted in a ransomware attack that encrypted parts of its system, forcing airports, including Brussels, to revert to manual processes.
Flights Cancelled and Delayed
On Monday, Brussels Airport reported that of the 277 scheduled departures, 40 were cancelled, while nine others faced delays. Similarly, 23 of the 277 scheduled arrivals were cancelled. The cancellations mostly affected flights to major European hubs, including London, Munich, and Frankfurt.
Despite the scale of disruption, airport authorities stressed that most flights remain operational. “Check-in will continue to be done alternatively on Monday: with pen and paper, as well as laptops and iPads,” said airport spokesperson Ihsane Chioua Lekhli. “Online check-in is also available, and passengers can print their own baggage labels at kiosks.”
The spokesperson added that airlines such as Brussels Airlines, which operates several flights daily to major hubs, are in a position to rebook passengers more swiftly than smaller carriers. Still, the disruption has caused major inconvenience for many travellers.
Passengers Asked to Plan Ahead
Passengers scheduled to fly in the coming days have been urged to carefully check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. Brussels Airlines has advised passengers to complete check-in procedures online when possible, as its own systems were not directly affected by the cyberattack.
For those travelling within the Schengen zone, authorities recommend arriving two hours before departure. Non-Schengen passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours in advance. “Arrive on time and continue to monitor the information channels for updates,” a spokesperson said.
The manual check-in procedures, which involve handwritten boarding passes and luggage tags, have proven time-consuming. Over the weekend, this led to long queues, significant delays, and frustrated passengers.
A Weekend of Chaos
The problems escalated over the weekend as Brussels Airport struggled to maintain normal operations. On Saturday, 25 of 234 scheduled departures and 13 arrivals were cancelled. By Sunday, the situation worsened, and authorities asked airlines to cancel half of their scheduled flights. This resulted in 50 of 257 departures and 35 arrivals being scrapped.
Despite the cancellations, Brussels Airport reported that 85% of departing flights over the weekend were still able to operate, thanks to staggered flight schedules, planned delays, and the use of online check-in systems. Extra staff were also deployed to help manage the chaos.
Other airports across Europe were also affected by the cyberattack, including London’s Heathrow and Berlin Brandenburg. However, Brussels appears to be the worst hit, with greater levels of disruption than its counterparts.
International Implications
The timing of the attack has raised concerns, especially as EU leaders are due to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly this week. Although many of these delegations are expected to use government-chartered flights, delays at major European hubs could ripple into official travel schedules.
The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) confirmed on Monday that the incident was the result of a ransomware attack. Such attacks involve hackers encrypting systems and demanding payment in exchange for restoring access.
The parent company of Collins Aerospace, RTX, described the incident as a “cyber-related disruption” but did not provide details about negotiations or ransom demands.
Charleroi Airport Unaffected
While Brussels Airport struggled to cope, Charleroi Airport, located about 55 kilometers south of the capital, confirmed it was unaffected by the cyberattack. A spokesperson for the airport said that operations continued smoothly, with no flights rerouted from Brussels. “We saw a high number of passengers over the past few days, but it was all planned,” the spokesperson noted.
Passenger Rights and Consumer Protections
The consumer protection organisation Testachats reminded travellers of their rights in the wake of widespread cancellations. Under EU law, passengers whose flights are cancelled are entitled to either a full refund or a free rebooking on an alternative flight.
However, airlines are not required to pay financial compensation in this case, as the disruption falls under the category of “force majeure” – extraordinary circumstances beyond the carrier’s control.
Passengers facing long delays are entitled to assistance from their airline, including food and refreshments. If delays require an overnight stay, airlines must also cover hotel accommodation costs.
A Growing Aviation Security Concern
The attack on Collins Aerospace highlights vulnerabilities in aviation’s reliance on external service providers. Many airports worldwide depend on such systems to manage daily operations, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Security experts have warned that ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure, including transport hubs, are becoming more frequent and more disruptive. While this incident did not compromise flight safety, it has caused significant logistical problems and eroded passenger confidence.
As Collins Aerospace continues to work on restoring its systems, there is no clear timeline for full resolution. Until then, Brussels Airport – one of Europe’s busiest hubs – faces ongoing uncertainty.
Looking Ahead
Airport officials are urging patience, reminding passengers that the majority of flights are still operating despite the setbacks. “The service provider is actively working on the issue and trying to resolve the problem as quickly as possible,” Brussels Airport said in a statement.
For now, passengers must brace themselves for continued disruption, longer wait times, and the inconvenience of manual check-ins. With EU leaders on the move and holidaymakers still travelling, the coming days will be a crucial test of the airport’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.
Until the ransomware issue at Collins Aerospace is resolved, travellers at Brussels Airport can expect more uncertainty – and the possibility of further cancellations.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
