A MAN has been arrested following an investigation into a cyber attack which caused disruption at major UK and European airports.
Airlines were forced to delay and even cancel flights after the alleged attack, causing chaos at Heathrow, Brussels and Berlin airports.
Chris Eades- The SunCheck-in and boarding systems were targeted last Saturday, causing chaos at Heathrow[/caption]
Travellers formed long queues at Brussels airport
PAA man has been arrested in connection with the recent cyber attack[/caption]
It crippled the automated systems, making them inoperable, according to Brussels Airport.
Airport staff were forced to do manual check-in and boarding procedures, causing massive delays and even cancellations.
The man, in his 40s, was arrested in West Sussex as part of a probe into the attack, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.
He was held yesterday on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences, before being released on conditional bail.
Deputy Director Paul Foster, head of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, confirmed the investigation remains ongoing.
He said: “Although this arrest is a positive step, the investigation into this incident is in its early stages and remains ongoing.”
“Cybercrime is a persistent global threat that continues to cause significant disruption to the UK.
“Alongside our partners here and overseas, the NCA is committed to reducing that threat in order to protect the British public.”
Heathrow – Europe’s busiest airport – had warned holidaygoers of delays caused by “a technical issue” at a third-party supplier.
A spokesperson for the airport said: “Collins Aerospace is experiencing a technical issue, which may cause delays.
“While they are working to resolve the problem quickly, we advise passengers to check their flight status with their airline…
“… arrive no earlier than 3 hours before a long-haul flight or two hours before a domestic flight.
“Additional colleagues are available in check-in areas to assist and minimise disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience.”
Speaking at the airport, Derine, 19, told The Sun: “I just flew in from Malta. I’m meant to be flying to Ireland for University.
“There has not been much information about my next flight, but when we arrived, the plane just circled the runway about five times.
“We weren’t let off the plane for half an hour.”
Another traveller said: “I’m flying to Mumbai. My flight is meant to leave in half an hour but it was just delayed by an hour and a half.
“It doesn’t affect me much, but I feel sorry for all the families who are about to sit on a long flight.”
At least 10 flights were cancelled out of Brussels Airport and another 17 were delayed by over an hour after the systems were hit.
“This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will unfortunately cause delays and cancellations of flights,” the airport said.
“The service provider is actively working on the issue and trying to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.”
Passengers were advised to arrive in plenty of time to allow for delays at check-in.
Meanwhile, Berlin airport said: “Due to a technical issue at a system provider operating, there are longer waiting times at check-in.
“We are working on a quick solution.”
RTX, the owner of Collins Aerospace, said it was aware of cyber-related disruption to its software.
The firm added: “We are actively working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality to our customers as quickly as possible.
“The impact is limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop and can be mitigated with manual check-in operations.”
ReutersTravellers waiting at Brussels airport after the alleged cyber attack[/caption]
The attack forced airlines to cancel flights Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
