Passengers faced significant disruptions at Heathrow and other European airports following a widespread cyberattack. The attack, which began early this morning, crippled key airport systems, leading to flight delays, cancellations, and long lines at terminals.

The immediate cause of the disruption appears to be a sophisticated ransomware attack targeting airport IT infrastructure. While the specific group responsible remains unconfirmed, cybersecurity experts suggest the attack bears the hallmarks of a known Eastern European cybercriminal organization. The ransomware encrypted critical files necessary for flight scheduling, baggage handling, and passenger check-in, effectively bringing operations to a standstill.

The consequences for travelers are significant. Thousands of passengers are stranded, with many missing connecting flights and facing uncertainty about when they will be able to resume their journeys. Airlines are scrambling to rebook passengers and provide accommodation, but resources are stretched thin due to the scale of the disruption.

"This attack highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats," said Emily Carter, a cybersecurity analyst at a leading think tank. "Airports are complex systems relying on interconnected networks, and a single point of failure can have cascading effects."

The attack is also raising concerns about the broader security of European airports. Authorities are urging airports to review their cybersecurity protocols and implement stronger defenses against future attacks.

The long-term impact of the attack remains to be seen. While airport staff are working to restore systems and clear the backlog of passengers, disruptions are expected to continue for several days. Experts predict that this incident will lead to increased investment in cybersecurity measures across the aviation industry. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for cyberattacks to disrupt global travel and commerce.