Cyberattack Disrupts Major European Airports' Check-In Systems

A cyberattack on Collins Aerospace's MUSE software has led to significant disruptions at major European airports, including London Heathrow, Berlin Brandenburg, and Brussels. The attack, which began on Friday, 19 September 2025, affected check-in and boarding systems, forcing airports to revert to manual procedures. This resulted in long queues, flight delays, and cancellations, impacting thousands of passengers.

Brussels Airport confirmed the cyberattack occurred on Friday evening, noting that at least 10 flights were canceled and 17 others delayed by more than an hour. The airport advised passengers to check their flight status with airlines and arrive early to allow time for manual processing.

Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, acknowledged the incident, stating that the disruption primarily affected electronic customer check-in and baggage processing. The company indicated that these issues could be managed through manual procedures while they work on a resolution.

The European Union's cybersecurity agency, ENISA, has identified the type of ransomware involved and is collaborating with law enforcement to investigate the incident. The attack underscores the vulnerability of critical aviation infrastructure to cyber threats and highlights the need for enhanced digital resilience in the sector.