Cyberattack Disrupts Heathrow and European Airports

Cyberattack Disrupts Heathrow and European Airports
Above: London Heathrow Airport, after flights were delayed and cancelled on Sept. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Maja Smiejkowska/PA Images/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

This cyberattack highlights critical vulnerabilities in aviation infrastructure that could have been prevented with stronger security measures. The aviation industry's over-reliance on centralized systems from single providers like Collins Aerospace creates catastrophic single points of failure that hostile actors can exploit to bring entire sectors to a standstill.

Narrative B

Thanks to established backup procedures, airlines and airports quickly implemented manual check-in processes and workarounds, ensuring passenger safety remained uncompromised. The disruption highlights the aviation industry's resilience and ability to maintain essential air travel services despite cyber threats.

Metaculus Prediction


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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.16.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.16.0