Cyberattack Impacts European Airport Operations
Several major European airports, including London Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, continue to experience operational disruptions following a cyberattack targeting Collins Aerospace’s check-in and boarding system software. The incident has resulted in flight delays, cancellations, and extended passenger wait times. Brussels Airport announced the cancellation of half of its scheduled departures for Monday, citing unresolved issues with the compromised check-in system. Heathrow and Berlin airports also reported significant disruptions but maintained partial flight operations through manual check-in procedures.
Details of the Cyberattack and System Impact
Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, acknowledged the cyber-related disruption affecting its MUSE software, which supports electronic check-in and baggage drop across multiple airlines and airports globally. The company stated the impact was confined to electronic processes and that manual check-in operations helped mitigate some effects. Heathrow Airport confirmed the ongoing efforts to restore full system functionality while advising passengers to verify flight status before traveling and to arrive closer to departure times to reduce congestion. Dublin Airport also reported minor delays due to manual workarounds but expected to maintain a full schedule.
Flight Cancellations and Passenger Disruptions
- Heathrow recorded 38 cancellations in departures and 33 in arrivals as of Sunday morning.
- Brussels Airport experienced the highest number of cancellations, with 15 flights affected on Saturday.
- Berlin Airport warned of longer wait times due to system outages.
Passengers at affected airports have faced extended delays, prompting airlines and airport authorities to implement manual check-in processes to minimize disruption.
Context Within Broader Cybersecurity Challenges
This cyberattack adds to a series of recent high-profile breaches impacting critical industries. Jaguar Land Rover and Marks & Spencer have also reported operational disruptions linked to cyber incidents this year.
Charlotte Wilson, head of enterprise at Check Point, noted, “These attacks often strike through the supply chain, exploiting third-party platforms used by multiple airlines and airports simultaneously. When one vendor is compromised, the ripple effect can be immediate and far-reaching, causing widespread disruption across borders.”
Wilson emphasized the need for regular software updates, robust backup systems, and enhanced information-sharing to bolster the aviation sector’s cybersecurity resilience.
“Cyberattacks rarely stop at national borders, so the faster one country can identify and report an attack, the faster others can take action to contain it,” she said. “A joined-up defence will be far more effective than siloed responses.”
FinOracleAI — Market View
The recent cyberattack on Collins Aerospace highlights critical vulnerabilities within the aviation industry’s reliance on interconnected digital platforms and third-party software providers. The disruption underlines the systemic risk posed by supply chain dependencies in essential infrastructure sectors.
- Opportunities: Increased investment in cybersecurity protocols and resilient backup systems for aviation IT infrastructure.
- Opportunities: Enhanced collaboration and real-time information sharing among airlines, technology vendors, and government agencies.
- Risks: Potential for extended operational disruptions if third-party provider vulnerabilities persist.
- Risks: Escalation of cross-border cyber threats targeting critical transportation networks.
Impact: This incident serves as a critical warning to aviation stakeholders about the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity defenses, particularly focusing on supply chain and third-party risk management to prevent future widespread disruptions.
