Cyberattack disrupts check-in systems at major European airports

Published: Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 10:00 am

Cyberattack Cripples Check-In Systems at European Airports, Causing Delays

BRUSSELS - A cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems has caused significant disruptions and delays at several major European airports, according to officials. The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, impacted a service provider for passenger handling systems, affecting airports across the continent.

Brussels Airport reported that the attack forced a shift to manual check-in and boarding procedures, leading to a "large impact" on flight schedules. Berlin's Brandenburg Airport also confirmed that the attack on a service provider prompted them to disconnect from the affected systems. London Heathrow Airport, Europe's busiest, reported a "technical issue" affecting a service provider for check-in and boarding systems.

The affected service provider, Collins Aerospace, a U.S. aviation and defense technology company and a subsidiary of RTX Corp., provides the technology for self-check-in kiosks, boarding passes, and baggage handling. Collins acknowledged a "cyber-related disruption" to its MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) software at "select airports." They stated that manual check-in operations could still be used to mitigate the impact. Collins is actively working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality.

While the attack caused widespread disruption, some airports were unaffected. The Roissy, Orly, and Le Bourget airports in the Paris area reported no disruptions. Travelers are advised to check their flight status and are being apologized to for any inconvenience.

BNN's Perspective:

The cyberattack highlights the increasing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to digital threats. While the ability to implement manual check-in procedures demonstrates a degree of resilience, the widespread delays and inconvenience underscore the need for robust cybersecurity measures and contingency plans within the aviation industry. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive security protocols and the potential for significant disruption when these systems are compromised.

Keywords: cyberattack, airports, check-in, boarding, delays, Collins Aerospace, MUSE, flight schedules, passenger handling, Europe, Brussels Airport, London Heathrow, Berlin Brandenburg, cybersecurity, aviation

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