News 20/09/25

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre says it is working to assess the impact of a major incident affecting airports.

A spokesperson confirmed the NCSC is liaising with Collins Aerospace, affected UK airports, the Department for Transport and law enforcement. The centre urged all organisations to make use of its free guidance and tools to strengthen defences and reduce the risk of further cyber attacks.

Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 has reopened after passengers were evacuated earlier over what was described as “an item of airline luggage of concern.”

Flights resumed around half past two this afternoon, though officials warn disruption may continue for the rest of the day. Irish police requested help from the Defence Forces’ bomb disposal unit, which investigated the case and confirmed the luggage was safe for removal. Authorities stressed the evacuation is not believed to be connected to the cyber attack disrupting airports elsewhere in Europe.

Aviation and travel expert Paul Charles says the disruption hitting several European airports amounts to “a very clever cyber attack” because it struck airlines and airports simultaneously.

While the exact cause is still unclear, he warned there will be “deep concerns” about the scale of the incident. Graeme Stewart, head of public sector at Check Point, said recovery could take days, with a “domino effect” leaving planes in the wrong locations and schedules severely disrupted.

More than a thousand people crossed the Channel to the UK in small boats on Friday, the day after the first deportation under the new “one in, one out” deal with France.

The Home Office says 1,072 migrants arrived in 13 boats, an average of 82 people on each vessel. On the same day, an Iranian man became the third deported migrant under the scheme. The total number of arrivals so far in 2025 has reached 32,103 – the highest ever recorded by this stage in a year.

Russian military activity in Eastern Europe is being seen as preparation for possible future conflict with NATO.

Estonia says three MiG-31 jets entered its airspace yesterday for around ten minutes before being intercepted by Italian F-35s. Hours later, Poland reported Russian aircraft buzzing one of its oil platforms, while drones were also downed over Polish territory last week. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War say Moscow is “deliberately testing NATO’s capabilities and responses” to gauge how the alliance might react in a crisis.

Four people have been injured in a shooting at a nightclub in Birmingham.

Police say one man remains in hospital in a critical condition, while the other three are being treated for less serious injuries. The shooting happened at around three o’clock this morning at the Mango nightclub. Three people in their twenties and thirties were arrested shortly after on the M6 in Warwickshire, after being stopped in a car.

European airports, including London Heathrow, are warning passengers of delays after a technical issue hit check-in and boarding systems.

Brussels Airport confirmed it was the result of a cyber attack, with ten flights cancelled and 17 delayed by more than an hour. Officials there say it is too early to say when the disruption will be resolved. Berlin Airport is also affected, while Heathrow has warned of knock-on delays across its terminals.

Russia has responded after three of its jets entered Estonian airspace.

In a statement, Moscow insisted the MiG-31 fighters were on a “scheduled flight” from Karelia to Kaliningrad and did not violate any borders. Officials said the route was conducted in line with international air rules, and monitoring confirmed no incursion took place.

Estonia has yet to comment on the Russian explanation.

The Speaker of the Commons has criticised the decision to drop charges against two men accused of spying for China.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle said it “leaves the door open” for hostile states to target MPs and staff. He has written a “strong and punchy” letter to the Home Secretary, urging every possible measure be taken to protect Parliament. The men involved, Christopher Cash, a former researcher and director of the China Research Group, and Christopher Berry, had faced charges under the Official Secrets Act before prosecutors halted the case.

Twelve arrests were made in Windsor during Donald Trump’s state visit, Thames Valley Police has confirmed.

Six were linked to flying drones in restricted airspace, with additional restrictions in place over Chequers. Seven of the arrests happened on Tuesday, the 16th of September. The force says all those detained are now assisting with inquiries.