Cyber-Attack Halts Flights: Heathrow and European Airports Face Delays

Several European hubs encountered a cyber-related disruption that affected electronic check-in and baggage systems. At Heathrow, airlines reliant on Collins Aerospace software reported delays as the Muse platform, which coordinates shared check-in desks and boarding gates, came under strain. While British Airways operated with a backup system, many other carriers experienced longer queues and disrupted processes.

Collins Aerospace, part of RTX, acknowledged a cyber-related disruption affecting its systems in select airports and indicated that the impact is confined to electronic check-in and baggage drop. The company noted that manual check-in options could mitigate the problem while it seeks a rapid resolution.

Across the region, Brussels Airport warned of a large impact on flight schedules, with cancellations and delays anticipated. Eurocontrol advised airlines to reduce operations at airports in the area between early Saturday morning and the following Monday to manage the strain. In Berlin and Dublin, authorities reported extended wait times and a mix of manual procedures, with Cork and other facilities noting only minor effects.

Passenger accounts from London illustrated the disruption: some travelers endured hours-long queues; staff manually tagged luggage and assisted customers over the phone in check-in. At Heathrow, officials urged travelers to verify flight status with their airlines and to arrive later than typical for long-haul and domestic flights to accommodate slower processing.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated she was receiving updates and monitoring the situation. While EasyJet and Ryanair, not operating from Heathrow, indicated normal operations elsewhere in Europe, the incident underscored the broader vulnerability of digital systems in aviation. Analysts noted that disruptions can cascade, affecting connections and overall scheduling, particularly at major hubs like Heathrow.

As additional reporting continues, authorities caution that the attack’s origin remains undetermined. While some speculate ransomware, experts emphasize that such intrusions can involve different actors, including state-sponsored groups or criminal organizations, complicating attribution. Collins Aerospace has yet to publicly comment on the attack’s nature or provenance.