Several major European airports faced disruptions on Saturday after a cyberattack targeted a provider of check-in and boarding systems, causing flight delays and cancellations. The attack underscores a growing trend of cyber threats affecting governments, corporations, and critical infrastructure across the globe.
MUSE Software at the Center of the Attack
The disruption was reportedly centered on MUSE software developed by Collins Aerospace, which powers check-in and baggage systems for multiple airlines worldwide, Reuters reported.
RTX, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, confirmed awareness of a “cyber-related disruption” at selected airports but did not disclose their names.
Airports affected include London Heathrow, Brussels, Berlin, Dublin, and Cork Airport in Ireland.
Electronic Check-in Systems Impacted
According to RTX: “The impact is limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop and can be mitigated with manual check-in operations.”
The company said teams were working to restore normal operations but did not provide details on the perpetrators.
Flight Cancellations and Delays
As of 11:30 GMT, 29 flights were cancelled at Heathrow, Berlin, and Brussels, with hundreds of flights scheduled across these airports. Brussels airport also reported four flight diversions and delays affecting most departures. To manage the situation, airlines were asked to cancel half of scheduled Sunday departures to prevent long queues and further disruptions.
Expert Insight on Cyberattack Risks
A European Commission spokesperson noted that there were no signs of a widespread or severe attack, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Rafe Pilling, Director of Threat Intelligence at Sophos, highlighted the wider implications:
“The impact of the cyberattack highlighted the fragile and interdependent nature of the digital ecosystem underpinning air travel.”
Pilling added that the threat is “significant and very real,” citing similar impacts in retail and automotive sectors in the UK earlier this year.
Passengers Left in Limbo
Passengers were advised to confirm travel plans with their airlines before heading to affected airports. Berlin airport reported longer waiting times at check-in but reassured travelers that solutions were being implemented.
“I arrived here at the airport station at about quarter past nine, and we haven’t been told anything except that there was a technical fault,” said Kim Reisen, a traveler at Berlin airport. “Of course, online you can read that it was probably a cyberattack, and now we’re waiting here to see what happens,” she added.
Airline Responses
EasyJet said it was operating normally and did not expect further disruptions.
Delta Airlines reported minimal impact due to workarounds implemented for the cyberattack. United Airlines stated that minor departure delays occurred, but no cancellations were necessary.
British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander confirmed she was monitoring the situation, while British and German cyber defense authorities remained in close contact with affected airports.
