A major cyberattack targeted Collins Aerospace, a key provider of check-in and boarding systems, disrupting operations at several major European airports, including London’s Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. The attack, which began late Friday night, September 19, rendered automated check-in and baggage drop systems inoperable, forcing airlines to switch to manual procedures. This has led to significant flight delays and cancellations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing long wait times.
Impact on Airports
- Heathrow Airport: Europe’s busiest hub reported delays due to a “technical issue” at Collins Aerospace, advising passengers to check flight statuses before traveling and arrive no earlier than three hours for long-haul flights or two hours for domestic ones. Additional staff were deployed to manage manual check-ins.
- Brussels Airport: The attack caused a “large impact” on flight schedules, with 10 flights canceled and 17 delayed by over an hour by 10:30 AM Saturday. The airport confirmed only manual check-in and boarding were possible, urging travelers to confirm flights with airlines.
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport: Longer wait times were reported due to the same technical issue, with a website notice stating, “We are working on a quick solution.” Authorities disconnected affected systems to contain the disruption.
Collins Aerospace, a US-based subsidiary of RTX Corp, acknowledged a “cyber-related disruption” to its MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) software at select airports. The company stated, “The impact is limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop and can be mitigated with manual operations. We are actively working to restore full functionality.”
Unaffected Airports and Passenger Advisory
Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s largest, and Zurich Airport reported no disruptions, while Paris-area airports (Roissy, Orly, and Le Bourget) were also unaffected. Affected airports advised passengers to verify flight statuses with airlines before heading to terminals to avoid chaos. For example, Brussels Airport noted, “This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will unfortunately cause delays and cancellations of flights.”
Broader Implications
The cyberattack highlights vulnerabilities in global aviation infrastructure, as Collins Aerospace supports multiple airlines worldwide. While the extent of the attack remains undisclosed, it has raised concerns about cybersecurity in critical systems. EasyJet, a major European carrier, reported normal operations, but other airlines, including Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, faced delays at Heathrow. The incident adds to recent regional tensions, though no direct link to geopolitical events was confirmed.
Passengers affected by delays or cancellations may be entitled to compensation, including meals, accommodation, or alternative flights, per UK and EU airline regulations. Airports and Collins Aerospace are working urgently to resolve the issue, but no timeline for full system restoration has been provided.
