In the field of communications technologies, a method and a device for handling messages are provided. The method includes: a notification indicating whether an X2 interface to a neighbor node is available is received; using an S1 interface to send information when the X2 interface is unavailable; and receiving a notification indicating whether an S1 interface to a neighbor node is available, and using an X2 interface to send information when the S1 interface is unavailable. The solutions can ensure normal communication, and reduce possibility of communication failure.