European Airports Struggle to Fix Check-In Glitch After Cyberattack

European airports are facing a major headache as they struggle to resolve a check-in glitch that was triggered by a recent cyberattack. The issue, which affects several airlines and airports across the continent, has left thousands of passengers stranded at security checkpoints.

The cyberattack, which is believed to have occurred on Tuesday, targeted the systems used by European Airlines (EUA) and their check-in counters. The EUA, which operates flights from 12 countries, including Germany, France, and Italy, was forced to ground all its planes until further notice.

Airline passengers began reporting issues with the check-in process, citing problems with payment processing, baggage drop-off, and even accessing their boarding passes on mobile devices. The glitches were widespread, with reports flooding in from major airports such as Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam.

Aviation experts have warned that the cyberattack poses a significant threat to the industry's reputation, as it highlights the vulnerability of airport systems to hacking. "This is a wake-up call for the aviation industry," said Michael Schnitzler, Head of Cybersecurity at the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). "We need to take steps now to strengthen our defenses against cyber threats."

European authorities are working around the clock to rectify the situation and restore normal operations. Airlines have been advised to implement temporary fixes, including manual check-in processes, until the root cause of the problem can be identified.

Passengers who were affected by the glitch have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some sharing photos of long queues and chaotic scenes at airport terminals. "It's chaos here," tweeted @SarahJohnson123, a British passenger stranded in Frankfurt. "I've been waiting for hours to get my check-in done."

The EUA has promised to provide regular updates on the situation and is working closely with airport operators and cybersecurity experts to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In the meantime, passengers are advised to check their airline's website or mobile app for the latest information.

As the aviation industry continues to grapple with this cyberattack, it serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in protecting sensitive data and ensuring the smooth operation of critical infrastructure.