European travelers are facing widespread flight delays as major airports across the continent grapple with the fallout from a significant cyber-attack. The incident, targeting the check-in and boarding software used by numerous airlines, has disrupted operations at several key hubs, including London Heathrow, Brussels, Dublin, and Berlin.
Passengers have experienced longer wait times, flight cancellations, and manual processing at kiosks and bag-drop points, highlighting the heavy reliance on digital systems in modern aviation. The cyber-attack, identified as ransomware, affected Collins Aerospace, a global software provider and subsidiary of U.S. defense company RTX.
As airports and airlines work to restore normal operations, the situation underscores growing cybersecurity risks within the aviation industry and the potential impact of third-party technology failures on travelers worldwide.
Impact on Major Airports
Several of Europe’s busiest airports, including London Heathrow, Brussels, Dublin, and Berlin, have been significantly affected. Automatic check-in and boarding systems were disrupted, forcing airline staff to rely on manual processing to keep flights operational.
At Heathrow, airport officials reported that the majority of flights were operating normally, though check-in and boarding for some services were slower than usual. Passengers were advised to check flight statuses before traveling and to arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure, depending on the flight type.
Brussels airport experienced more severe disruptions, with 40 of its 277 departing flights and 23 of its 277 arrivals canceled on Monday. A spokesperson confirmed that the system had not yet been fully restored. Dublin airport, while not expecting cancellations on Monday, acknowledged that delays remained possible.
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The Source of the Cyber-Attack
The problem originated from Collins Aerospace, a software provider that supports airlines worldwide with critical systems for check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. Collins Aerospace is a subsidiary of the U.S.-based aerospace and defense giant RTX.
The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity confirmed that Collins had suffered a ransomware attack. In this type of cyber-attack, hackers lock access to an organization’s data and systems to demand a ransom. Collins Aerospace stated it was working closely with affected airports and airlines and had entered the final stages of implementing updates to restore full system functionality.
Potential Threat Actors
Concerns have been raised that the attack may have been carried out by state-sponsored hackers. Jonathan Hall KC, the UK government’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, highlighted that while state actors could be involved, highly sophisticated private entities could also be responsible.
“This could be a state operation, but powerful private groups are also capable of launching attacks at this scale,” Hall told Times Radio.
Effects on Airlines and Passengers
Airlines operating at affected airports have had to adjust operations manually, impacting passengers’ travel plans. Aer Lingus reported significant disruptions over the weekend, while British Airways and other carriers saw reduced efficiency in check-in and boarding processes.
The incident has prompted airlines to issue warnings to travelers and adjust staffing at terminals. Heathrow, for example, deployed additional personnel to assist passengers, although it stressed that it does not control the software involved in the outage.
Broader Implications for Aviation Technology
This attack underscores the vulnerability of airports and airlines to third-party software failures. Reliance on external suppliers for critical operational systems creates risks that can ripple across entire travel networks. The European Commission stated that while the incident appeared contained, it was monitoring the situation closely.
RTX confirmed that its Muse software, used by airlines for check-in and boarding, was affected. The company emphasized that it was working urgently to resolve the issue and restore full service.
Economic Impact
The cyber-attack has also had immediate financial consequences. Shares in several airlines dipped in early trading following the incident: British Airways’ parent company IAG fell by 1.2%, easyJet dropped 1.4%, and Wizz Air declined by 1.1%.
Beyond the airline sector, this attack forms part of a growing trend of high-profile cyber incidents affecting major companies. Earlier this month, Jaguar Land Rover halted production due to a cyber disruption, while retailer Marks & Spencer suffered losses amounting to hundreds of millions of pounds after a similar attack earlier this year.
Measures to Mitigate Disruptions
Airports and airlines have implemented temporary measures to reduce passenger inconvenience. Manual check-ins, additional staffing, and enhanced communication with travelers are helping mitigate delays. However, experts warn that full recovery may take days, as systems must be thoroughly checked and secured before normal operations resume.
Travelers are encouraged to:
- Check the status of flights before heading to the airport
- Allow extra time for check-in and security
- Follow airline and airport updates through official channels
Lessons for the Aviation Industry
The incident highlights the growing threat of cyber-attacks in critical infrastructure sectors, particularly aviation. Airports are increasingly reliant on digital systems for day-to-day operations, making them vulnerable to disruptions that can affect thousands of passengers simultaneously.
Experts recommend increased investment in cybersecurity measures, including:
- Regular software audits and updates
- Stronger defenses against ransomware and phishing attacks
- Contingency planning for manual operations during system outages
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flight delays across European airports?
Flight disruptions were triggered by a cyber-attack on Collins Aerospace, the company that provides check-in and boarding software for multiple airlines. The ransomware attack forced airports to rely on manual processes, causing delays and cancellations.
Which airports were most affected?
Major airports impacted include London Heathrow, Brussels, Dublin, and Berlin. While some flights have resumed normally, others are still experiencing delays and longer check-in times.
What is ransomware, and how did it affect operations?
Ransomware is a type of cyber-attack where hackers lock systems or data to demand payment. In this case, the attack disrupted automated check-in, boarding, and baggage handling systems.
Could this attack have been state-sponsored?
Experts say state-sponsored hackers are a possibility, though highly sophisticated private entities could also carry out such an attack. Authorities are investigating all potential sources.
How are airlines handling the disruption?
Airline staff have shifted to manual processing for check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. Additional staff have been deployed to assist passengers and minimize delays.
Are passengers at risk, and what should they do?
Passengers are not directly at risk, but they should check flight statuses before traveling, arrive early, and follow airline or airport updates to avoid long wait times.
What does this incident mean for airport cybersecurity?
The attack highlights vulnerabilities in airport reliance on third-party software. Airlines and airports are urged to strengthen cybersecurity measures, conduct regular audits, and develop contingency plans to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
Conclusion
The recent cyber-attack on Collins Aerospace has exposed the vulnerabilities of Europe’s aviation network, disrupting flights and highlighting the risks of reliance on third-party technology. While airports and airlines are working diligently to restore normal operations, travelers should remain vigilant, check flight statuses, and allow extra time for check-in and boarding.
