London, Brussels, Berlin — September 20, 2025
A cyberattack disrupted check-in systems at several of Europe’s busiest airports on Saturday, forcing delays, cancellations, and long queues for passengers.
The attack targeted MUSE software, developed by Collins Aerospace, which powers check-in and baggage systems for airlines worldwide. The outage hit Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin airports, with Dublin and Cork also reporting issues later in the day.
Systems Crippled
RTX, Collins Aerospace’s parent company, confirmed a “cyber-related disruption.” The company said airlines could fall back on manual check-in, but this slowed operations dramatically.
By midday, data provider Cirium reported nearly 30 cancellations and hundreds of delays. Brussels Airport asked airlines to cancel half of Sunday’s flights to ease crowding.
Impact on Passengers
Travellers faced long waits and little information.
- “We haven’t been told anything except that there was a technical fault,” said Kim Reisen, stranded at Berlin Airport.
- Another passenger called the situation “incomprehensible” and questioned why airports remain so vulnerable.
Some airlines, including EasyJet, reported normal operations. Delta and United Airlines said delays were minor thanks to backup systems. But British Airways and Ryanair did not comment.
Wider Risks
The breach is part of a rising trend of attacks on critical infrastructure. Earlier this year, a cyber incident forced Jaguar Land Rover to halt production. Cybersecurity experts warn that air travel is especially fragile.
“One strike can ripple across multiple airports and airlines,” said Rafe Pilling of Sophos.
What Happens Next
With more than 1,000 flights scheduled daily from Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, delays could spill into the week. Officials in Brussels said they found no signs of a large-scale or coordinated attack, but investigations continue.
Authorities in the UK and Germany are in contact with airports, while passengers are urged to check flight status before leaving for the airport.
Resources:
https://x.com/
https://knowledgenexuses.com/
