Cyberattack Disrupts Check-In Systems at Major European Airports

A cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems disrupted operations at several major European airports on Saturday, leading to flight delays and cancellations. Brussels Airport reported that the attack occurred on Friday night, affecting their service provider for check-in and boarding systems. The airport stated that the incident had a significant impact on flight schedules, resulting in delays and cancellations. Passengers were advised to confirm their travel plans with airlines before heading to the airport.

Collins Aerospace, the service provider affected by the cyberattack, confirmed a "cyber-related disruption" to its Multi-User System Environment (MUSE) software at select airports. The company stated that the impact was limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop, which could be mitigated with manual check-in operations. Collins Aerospace is actively working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality to its customers as quickly as possible.

Other airports, including Berlin's Brandenburg Airport and London's Heathrow Airport, also experienced disruptions. Berlin's Brandenburg Airport reported longer waiting times at check-in due to the technical issue affecting a system provider operating across Europe. Heathrow Airport acknowledged a technical issue at a third-party supplier affecting check-in and boarding systems, advising passengers to check their flight status and apologizing for any inconvenience.

The cyberattack underscores the vulnerabilities in the aviation industry's reliance on centralized and interconnected digital systems. Authorities and cybersecurity agencies are investigating the incident to determine the source and scale of the attack. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about their flight status and allow extra time for check-in procedures during this period.