A significant cyber attack targeting a crucial service provider has thrown operations into disarray at some of Europe's busiest airports, including London’s Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. The disruption occurred amidst heightened travel activity on September 20, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations.

Collins Aerospace, the company behind the check-in and boarding systems at these airports, reported serious technical issues, warning passengers at Heathrow about potential delays in their travel plans. The severity of the situation was echoed by officials at Brussels and Berlin airports, who confirmed the chaos and advised travelers to prepare for interruptions.

RTX, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, acknowledged a "cyber-related disruption" affecting their software across select airports but refrained from disclosing specific locations. They assured the public that while automated systems were down, alternative manual check-in options were being activated to assist passengers.

Brussels Airport stated that the incident, which began late on September 19, has severely impacted the flight schedule, resulting in unavoidable delays and cancellations. The airport operators reiterated their commitment to resolving the issue swiftly as passenger traffic continues to swell.

Travelers were urgently advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport due to ongoing delays. Berlin airport also flagged the disruptions on its website, cautioning passengers about increased wait times at check-in counters.

In a brief glimmer of good news amidst the turmoil, Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s largest, reported that it was unaffected by the attack. Similarly, Zurich Airport confirmed it had not experienced any disruptions.

Despite the turmoil affecting many airlines, EasyJet announced it was operating normally and did not anticipate any further impact on its flight schedule. In contrast, major carriers like Ryanair and British Airways owner IAG have yet to respond regarding their operational status during this tumultuous event.

Officials also reassured that Polish airports remained safe from similar threats, as stated by Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland’s deputy prime minister and digital affairs minister.

As the crisis unfolds, airports are scrambling to get back on track, urging passengers to remain patient and keep informed about their flight statuses.