Cyberattack Disrupts Check-In Systems at Major European Airports
A cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems caused delays and cancellations at several major European airports, including Brussels, Berlin, and London Heathrow.
A cyberattack on Friday night targeted the MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) software provided by Collins Aerospace, disrupting check-in and boarding systems at several major European airports, including Brussels, Berlin's Brandenburg, and London's Heathrow. The attack forced airports to switch to manual check-in and baggage handling, leading to flight delays and cancellations.
Brussels Airport reported a significant impact, with nine flights canceled, four redirected, and 15 delayed by an hour or more. Berlin's Brandenburg Airport experienced minimal disruption, with no flights canceled due to the cyberattack as of late morning. Heathrow Airport reported minimal disruption, with no flight cancellations directly linked to the problems affecting Collins Aerospace.
Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX Corp., acknowledged a "cyber-related disruption" to its MUSE software at select airports and stated it was actively working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality.
Experts highlighted the vulnerabilities in the aviation industry's reliance on shared digital systems, noting that such attacks can exploit third-party platforms used by multiple airlines and airports simultaneously.
Passengers expressed frustration over the delays and limited staffing during manual check-ins. Airports advised travelers to check their flight status and apologized for any inconvenience caused by the disruptions.