Cyberattack Disrupts Major European Airport Systems, Exposing Vulnerabilities

LONDON – A sophisticated cyberattack launched on Friday night, September 19, has significantly disrupted check-in and boarding systems across several major European airports, causing widespread delays and highlighting critical vulnerabilities in the global aviation infrastructure. Brussels Airport, Berlin’s Brandenburg, and London’s Heathrow were among the affected hubs, forcing a temporary shift to manual processing for passengers.

The incident primarily targeted Collins Aerospace, a key third-party provider of check-in and boarding systems, rather than the airlines or airports directly. Collins Aerospace confirmed a “cyber-related disruption” to its MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) software, which handles self-check-in, boarding pass printing, and baggage dispatch.

While initial reports from Brussels Airport indicated canceled and redirected flights, the overall fallout appeared to be largely contained by Saturday afternoon. Heathrow reported “minimal” disruption with no direct flight cancellations attributed to the attack, although passengers faced considerable delays due to the manual check-in procedures and reduced staffing.

Cybersecurity experts warn that the attack underscores the aviation industry’s increasing susceptibility to digital threats, particularly those exploiting third-party supply chains. Charlotte Wilson of Check Point emphasized that the industry’s heavy reliance on shared digital systems makes it an “increasingly attractive target” for criminals. Investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators, with experts exploring motives ranging from state-sponsored activity to mere vandalism. Collins Aerospace is actively working to restore full system functionality, and airports advise travelers to continue checking their flight status for updates.

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