A large-scale cyberattack has disrupted flight operations across several major European airports, leaving passengers stranded and forcing staff to rely on manual procedures. The attack targeted systems operated by Collins Aerospace, a company that provides the digital platform used for check-in kiosks, boarding passes, and baggage handling at numerous airports.
Widespread Impact
Airports in Brussels, Berlin, and London were among the hardest hit. At Brussels Airport, multiple flights were cancelled or diverted, while many more faced significant delays. Berlin Brandenburg saw long queues as travelers waited for manual check-in and baggage processing, while London Heathrow experienced slower operations but reported fewer cancellations compared to its counterparts.
Passengers described scenes of confusion as electronic kiosks failed, baggage tags had to be written by hand, and staff worked overtime to maintain some level of service. While operations never came to a complete halt, disruptions rippled across departure schedules throughout the day.
Company Response
Collins Aerospace confirmed that its MUSE platform was the target of the cyberattack. The company stressed that airline and airport networks themselves were not directly breached, but the shared reliance on its software made the outage particularly damaging. Efforts are underway to restore full digital service, though airports continue to run backup manual procedures in the meantime.
Advice for Travelers
Airline officials urged passengers to check their flight status before arriving at airports and to allow extra time for check-in and boarding. With systems down, processing passengers manually is considerably slower, and long lines are expected until normal operations resume.
Broader Concerns
The incident highlights growing concerns about the vulnerability of global aviation infrastructure to cyber threats. Experts warn that centralized digital systems, while efficient, create single points of failure that can cripple operations when targeted. The attack is likely to trigger renewed discussions on cybersecurity standards, emergency preparedness, and the need for stronger backup systems in international air travel.
Looking Ahead
Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the attack and the full scope of its impact. Authorities and cybersecurity teams are working closely with Collins Aerospace to ensure that operations are fully restored and that safeguards are put in place to prevent future disruptions.
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