Man Arrested in Connection with Airport Cyber-Attack as Travel Disruption Mounts
Man Arrested in Connection with Airport Cyber-Attack as Travel Disruption Mounts
A man has been arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in connection with the widespread cyber-attack that has caused days of significant disruption at several major European airports, including London Heathrow. The individual, in his forties, was detained in West Sussex on Tuesday evening as part of an ongoing investigation into a cyber incident impacting Collins Aerospace, a critical software provider for airport operations.
The cyber-attack, which has been confirmed by the EU’s cyber-security agency as involving ransomware, led to the failure of Collins Aerospace’s baggage and check-in software used by numerous airlines. This has resulted in hundreds of flight delays and forced airports to implement manual check-in processes, with some passengers boarding using traditional pen and paper methods. While the arrest marks a positive development, the NCA’s head of national cyber crime unit, Paul Foster, stated that the investigation is still in its early stages and remains active. The arrested man has since been released on bail.
Collins Aerospace’s parent company, RTX Corporation, has acknowledged the NCA’s assistance as the US firm continues its efforts to bring systems back online. Internal memos seen by the BBC indicate the company is rebuilding the system after an attempted relaunch on Monday failed. Airlines and ground handlers have been advised to prepare for at least another week of manual workarounds, further extending the period of travel inconvenience. Heathrow Airport has deployed extra staff to assist passengers and check-in operators amidst the persistent delays.
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