Irish authorities are concerned about a passenger detained at Dublin Airport possibly being linked to orchestrated cyber attacks that caused disruptions at various airports in Europe. The individual was traveling to JFK Airport in the U.S. from London Heathrow via Ireland when security officials discovered suspicious devices in their luggage during a stopover in Dublin.
Following the finding, an “extreme security alert” was issued, leading to the evacuation of the terminal for several hours. The airport has since reopened, allowing passengers to resume their travel plans. Officials are worried about a potential coordinated effort behind the incident, especially as other major European airports also reported technical disruptions due to cyber attacks.
Coincidentally, this event occurred shortly after Dublin Airport relaxed its restrictions on liquids in hand luggage, no longer requiring passengers to remove liquids, gels, or electronics during security checks. The previous 100ml limit for liquids has been expanded to allow passengers to carry up to 2 liters in their hand luggage, without the need for clear plastic bags.
Meanwhile, several key European airport hubs are experiencing significant delays and cancellations due to suspected cyber attacks targeting an online check-in and boarding system operated by Collins Aerospace, a third-party supplier for multiple airlines. Heathrow Airport confirmed the technical issue and advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Brussels Airport has been heavily impacted, with 14 flight cancellations and delays of up to an hour for departing flights. The situation remains fluid as authorities work to address the disruptions caused by the cyber attacks across the affected airports.
This ongoing situation underscores the importance of staying informed about travel disruptions and following updates from airlines and airport authorities.