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A major cyberattack targeting a third-party service provider at European airports disrupted automated check-in and boarding systems on September 20. Airports, including Heathrow, Brussels, Berlin-Brandenburg, Dublin, and Cork, reported delays and cancellations. Collins Aerospace, the company providing these systems, confirmed a ‘cyber-related disruption’ affecting their MUSE (Multi-User System Environment).
The attack caused chaos at Heathrow with flight delays for hundreds of passengers and 29 cancelled departures and arrivals. Brussels Airport requested flight cancellations for 50% of Sunday departures to manage congestion. Berlin-Brandenburg also experienced flight delays and cancellations. According to FlightRadar, over 500 flights across the affected airports were disrupted on September 20.
Delhi Airport and Air India issued advisories for Europe-bound passengers. Delhi Airport warned that flights to and from Europe may experience delays, advising travelers to check with their airlines. Air India urged passengers flying from London to complete web check-in beforehand to minimize inconvenience.
The source of the cyberattack remains unclear, though experts suggest hackers, criminal groups, or state actors could be responsible. Aviation industry leaders have described the incident as "deeply concerning," highlighting the vulnerability of even experienced system providers. The European Commission is closely monitoring the situation, and UK political voices have called for clarity on potential Russian involvement.
At Heathrow’s Terminal 4, long queues and frustration were reported as manual check-in operations were implemented. Some passengers faced arguments and delays, underscoring the wide-ranging impact of the disruption.
Airports and airlines are working tirelessly to restore normal operations following the cyberattack. Travelers are strongly advised to monitor flight updates, complete online check-in where possible, and arrive at the airport early. Staying informed and flexible can help passengers minimize inconvenience during these disruptions.
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