A weekend cyberattack has caused widespread disruptions at major European airports, including Brussels Airport and London Heathrow, resulting in numerous flight delays and cancellations for thousands of passengers.
The attack, which began late Friday, targeted Collins Aerospace’s MUSE check-in and boarding systems, affecting automated operations across several key airports in Europe. Authorities reported that the breach has led to significant operational challenges, as manual processing of passengers has slowed down airport functions.
Brussels Airport has been among the hardest hit, with approximately 60 flights canceled on Monday alone. Heathrow Airport also reported extensive delays, affecting both domestic and international flights. Airport officials urged travelers to check their flight statuses before heading to the terminals.
“The cyberattack has disrupted our systems, and our teams are working around the clock to restore normal operations,” said a spokesperson for Brussels Airport. “Passenger safety and operational efficiency remain our top priorities.”
Cybersecurity experts have warned that such attacks are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure in Europe. Collins Aerospace, whose MUSE platform manages check-ins and boarding, confirmed that it is collaborating with airport authorities and cybersecurity teams to investigate the source of the attack and mitigate further risks.
Airlines have been forced to reschedule flights and offer alternative travel arrangements for affected passengers. Some travelers have reported waiting several hours in terminals due to system failures.
European aviation authorities are urging airports and airlines to strengthen cybersecurity measures to prevent future disruptions. Analysts note that as air travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, reliance on digital systems has grown, making the industry a potential target for cyber threats.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of global aviation networks to cyberattacks and highlights the importance of robust contingency planning. Officials expect that full recovery of automated systems may take several days, with ongoing monitoring to ensure passenger safety and operational continuity.
