Cyberattack Disrupts Major European Airports' Check-In Systems

Major European airports, including London Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin Brandenburg, experienced significant disruptions over the weekend due to a cyberattack targeting Collins Aerospace's MUSE check-in and boarding software. The incident led to long queues, flight delays, and cancellations as airports reverted to manual processing methods.

Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, confirmed a "cyber-related disruption" affecting its MUSE platform, which is integral to passenger processing systems at several airports. The company has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the attack.

Brussels Airport advised airlines to cancel approximately half of their scheduled departures to manage the operational challenges. Berlin Brandenburg Airport reported ongoing issues but stated that manual workarounds were in place, with no major delays or cancellations at present. Heathrow Airport indicated that while most flights continued to operate, efforts to recover from the system outage were ongoing.

Authorities are investigating the origin of the cyberattack, which underscores the vulnerabilities in shared digital platforms within the aviation industry. The incident highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure.