By Gergana Krasteva
Copyright metro
Travellers wait in a long queue to pass through the security check at Heathrow on June 1, 2022 (Picture: Getty)
London’s Heathrow Airport is one of several major European airports hit by a cyberattack today.
Multiple flights have been cancelled and delayed after the hack targeted a service provider for check-in and boarding systems, disrupting operations.
Airports in Brussels and Berlin have also been hit, and it is so far unclear how long the systems will be down.
Collins Aerospace has been revealed as the target of the attack, which has rendered its automated systems inoperable, allowing only manual check-in and boarding procedures.
Passengers queue for rebooking flights at Frankfurt Airport (Picture: AFP)
Heathrow said passengers should check their flight status before travelling to the airport.
It said: ‘Collins Aerospace, which provides check-in and boarding systems for several airlines across multiple airports globally, is experiencing a technical issue that may cause delays for departing 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.
The info board showing cancelled flights, during a strike action at Brussels Airport (Picture: PA)
‘Additional colleagues are available in check-in areas to assist and help minimise disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience.’
Heathrow so far does not seem to be affected, with most flights scheduled to depart on time, but this is not the case in Belgium.
Brussels Airport warned of a ‘large impact’ on the flight schedule, which is already causing delays and cancellations.
Passengers with a flight scheduled for today were advised by the affected airports to confirm their travel with airlines before heading to the airport.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled?
An airport in Brussels has also been affected by the hack (Picture: Getty)
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, UK and EU airlines must look after you if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
This includes everything from meals and accommodation to an alternative flight if necessary.
Citizen’s Advice says that airlines should also give impacted passengers access to phone calls and emails and, if they offer you a play to stay, organise the journeys between the hotel and the airport.
Sometimes, the airline will cover this by handing you vouchers at the airport. When in doubt, keep any receipts for expenses and claim them back afterwards from the airliner.
But an airliner will only cough up money for ‘reasonable’ expenses. The hotel minibar or penthouse suites likely can’t be expensed.
If you didn’t book with a UK or EU airline, you’ll need to check their terms and conditions. Though, for the most part, airlines should provide meals and accommodation as appropriate.
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