Heathrow Airport faces major delays as 'technical issue' sparks travel chaos

Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport is facing major delays

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HEATHROW AIRPORT
Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 20/09/2025

- 07:09

Updated: 20/09/2025

- 08:25

Brussels and Berlin airports have also been affected by delays this morning

Heathrow Airport has confirmed passengers will face major delays due to a "technical issue" discovered this morning.

Britain's largest airport has warned that the issue "may cause delays" with passengers due to check-in and boarding system issues.


An airport spokesman said: "A third-party supplier providing check-in and boarding systems for several airlines across multiple airports is experiencing a technical issue, which may cause delays for departing passengers. The provider is working to resolve the problem quickly.

"Please check your flight status with your airline before travelling to the airport.

"Additional colleagues are available in check-in areas to assist and minimise disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience."

Flight cancellations and large delays have also occurred at Brussels Airport after it was hit by a cyberattack on Friday night.

A statement released by the airport said the target of the attack was "the service provider for the check-in and boarding systems affecting several European airports".

As a result, "only manual check-in and boarding is possible".

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\u200bPassengers are experiencing severe delays at Heathrow Airport

Passengers are experiencing severe delays at Heathrow Airport

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Brussels Airport

Brussels Airport is reporting delays and cancellations

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The statement added: "This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will, unfortunately, cause delays and cancellations of flights."

Meanwhile, Berlin Airport revealed that it was working on a "quick solution" to the ongoing problem.

The airport said in a statement: "Due to a technical issue at a system provider operating across Europe, there are longer waiting times at check-in."

Berlin Airport has reportedly cut off connections to check-in systems, with passengers now expecting longer wait times at check-in and boarding.

Heathrow Airport released its update this morning

Heathrow Airport released its update this morning

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Passengers with a flight scheduled today are advised to confirm with their operator before heading to the airport.

Heathrow Airport welcomed 83.9 million passengers in 2024 and linked the UK to over 230 destinations worldwide.

It handles over 450,000 flights every year.

Earlier this month, Terminal 4 of the airport was evacuated due to a "possible hazardous materials incident".

Heathrow AirportHeathrow is one of the airports affected (stock pic) | GETTY

Around 20 people were injured, the Metropolitan Police said, but confirmed no "adverse substance was found".

The airport was closed due to a fire in March, with 1,351 flights cancelled.

The fire impacted around 145,000 passengers, which brought further disruptions days after.

More than 16,300 homes also faced blackouts due to the fire raging from the electrical substation in Hayes.

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