Airports across Europe began to return to normal operations on Sunday following a disruptive cyberattack that crippled airline check-in systems and caused widespread travel chaos over the weekend.
The large-scale attack led to mass flight cancellations and severe delays, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. At Brussels Airport alone, 45 of Sunday’s 257 scheduled departures — nearly one in five — were cancelled, with officials warning travelers to expect delays ranging from 30 to 90 minutes.
Other major hubs, including London Heathrow and Dublin Airport, reported gradual recovery. Heathrow said most flights were operating thanks to coordinated efforts with airlines, while Dublin Airport expected to function normally throughout Sunday.
The incident follows a dramatic rise in cyberattacks targeting the aviation sector. According to a June report by French aerospace company Thales, the number of attacks increased by 600% between 2024 and 2025. Airports are increasingly reliant on complex digital infrastructure — from baggage handling to boarding — making them high-value targets for ransomware and state-sponsored attacks.
While authorities have not yet attributed the attack to a specific actor, the incident underscores the growing vulnerability of critical transport infrastructure in an era of geopolitical tension and evolving cyber threats. Cybersecurity experts have repeatedly warned that aviation, as a sector with tight scheduling and high public visibility, is uniquely vulnerable to system-wide disruption.
Airports and airlines across Europe are now reviewing contingency plans and accelerating investment in cybersecurity measures, particularly as holiday travel ramps up and as EU countries prepare for increased digital integration under the European Digital Identity framework.
