Cyberattack Disrupts Check-In Systems at Major European Airports

A cyberattack targeting Collins Aerospace's MUSE check-in and boarding software has disrupted operations at several major European airports, including London Heathrow, Brussels, Berlin Brandenburg, and Dublin. The incident began late on Friday, September 19, 2025, leading to long queues, delays, and flight cancellations over the weekend.

Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, confirmed the "cyber-related disruption" and stated that the impact was limited to electronic check-in and baggage drop systems. Airlines have reverted to manual processes to continue operations.

Brussels Airport was particularly affected, requesting airlines to cancel around 140 departing flights scheduled for Monday, September 22, as the check-in system had not been restored. The airport utilized alternative backup systems and laptop computers to assist customers.

In London, Heathrow Airport reported that most flights were operating by Sunday morning, though manual workarounds and longer processing times persisted. Berlin Brandenburg Airport continued to use contingency procedures at its terminals.

The European Union's cybersecurity agency, ENISA, confirmed the cyberattack and emphasized the growing risks to critical infrastructure. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident, though details on the origin of the attack have not been disclosed.

This incident underscores the vulnerability of the aviation sector to cyber threats, highlighting the need for robust digital resilience and backup systems to mitigate the impact of such disruptions.