Key Points

Air India has issued a travel advisory warning passengers about potential check-in delays at London Heathrow Airport. The disruption stems from a cyberattack targeting a third-party service provider that handles check-in systems across major European airports. Brussels Airport confirmed automated systems were forced offline, requiring manual check-in procedures. Airlines recommend passengers complete web check-in before arriving at airports and verify flight status directly with their carriers.

Key Points: Air India London Heathrow Check-In Delays After Europe Cyberattack

  • Cyberattack targets third-party airport service provider across Europe
  • Manual check-in systems implemented at Brussels and Heathrow
  • Passengers advised to complete web check-in before airport arrival
  • Collins Aerospace technical issue causing widespread flight disruptions
3 min read

Cyberattack: Air India cautions passengers over possible check-in delays at London's Heathrow Airport

Air India advises passengers of check-in delays at London Heathrow due to Europe-wide cyberattack on airport systems. Web check-in recommended before arrival.

"A third-party passenger system disruption at Heathrow may cause delays in the check-in process - Air India"

New Delhi, September 20

Air India on Saturday issued a travel advisory due to a cyberattack on a third-party service provider affecting check-in and boarding systems at major European airports, including London's Heathrow.

This disruption may cause delays in the check-in process, but Air India's ground teams in London are working hard to minimise the inconvenience.

In an update posted on X, Air India said, "A third-party passenger system disruption at Heathrow may cause delays in the check-in process. Our ground teams in London are working to minimise inconvenience. Passengers flying with us from London today are advised to complete their web check-in before arriving at the airport to help ensure a smooth experience."

https://x.com/airindia/status/1969341797601264067

The advisory came as flights at major European airports, including Brussels, London Heathrow and Berlin, faced delays and cancellations after a cyberattack targeted a single service provider responsible for check-in and boarding systems.

Brussels Airport confirmed that the attack late Friday night had forced automated systems offline, leaving only manual check-in and boarding possible.

"There was a cyberattack on Friday night, 19 September, against the service provider for the check-in and boarding systems affecting several European airports, including Brussels Airport," the airport said in a statement.

It added that the provider was "actively working on the issue". It urged passengers to check flight status with airlines before heading to the airport, advising arrivals two hours in advance for Schengen flights and three hours for international departures.

London Heathrow Airport said Collins Aerospace, a global company that provides check-in and boarding systems to several airlines, was facing a technical issue linked to the disruption.

"Collins Aerospace is experiencing a technical issue that may cause delays for departing passengers," Heathrow posted on X.

It further advised passengers, "While the provider works to resolve the problem quickly, we advise passengers to check their flight status with their airline before travelling. Please arrive no earlier than three hours before a long-haul flight or two hours before a domestic flight. Additional colleagues are available in check-in areas to assist and help minimise disruption."

Berlin Airport also reported longer waiting times at check-in, citing a technical issue at a "system provider operating across Europe." It said teams were working on a quick solution.

Authorities and airlines have not provided a timeline for the full restoration of services.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
My cousin is flying from Heathrow today. Just forwarded him the web check-in link. Always better to be prepared! Air India should have sent SMS alerts to affected passengers though.
M
Michael C
Third-party dependencies are becoming a single point of failure for critical infrastructure. Companies need to have better redundancy plans in place.
A
Ananya R
Good that Air India is being proactive with the advisory. Many Indian families travel through Heathrow - this information is crucial. Hope they resolve it soon! ✈️
S
Siddharth J
Cybersecurity threats are real and increasing. Indian aviation authorities should conduct immediate security audits of all our systems. Better safe than sorry!
J
Jessica F
Manual check-in during peak travel season must be chaotic. Kudos to the ground staff working extra to help passengers. They deserve appreciation! 👏

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