A cyberattack targeting a key aviation systems provider caused widespread disruption across several major European airports in recent days, leaving thousands of passengers stranded, flights delayed, and some departures cancelled.
What Happened?
The disruption originated from Collins Aerospace, a division of RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), which provides essential check-in and boarding systems for airlines and airports. According to reports from Reuters, the company suffered a “cyber-related disruption” that temporarily paralyzed airport operations.
The outage forced many airlines and airports to switch to manual check-in procedures, resulting in long queues, frustrated passengers, and operational bottlenecks.
Airports Affected
The cyberattack had a significant impact on Heathrow Airport in London, Brussels Airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, and several airports across Ireland.
- At Heathrow, approximately 29 flights were cancelled, while dozens more experienced lengthy delays.
- At Brussels Airport, the situation was even more severe, with disruptions affecting 228 scheduled departures.
- Similar problems were reported in Berlin and across Irish hubs, though the full scope is still being assessed.
Impact on Passengers
Travelers faced cancellations, rescheduling, and missed connections, with some passengers reporting delays of several hours at baggage drop-off and security checkpoints. The reliance on manual systems not only slowed the boarding process but also created confusion for both staff and passengers.
Despite the chaos, airports assured that safety was never compromised, and flight operations, though heavily delayed, remained under control.
Investigation Underway
The origin of the cyberattack has not yet been confirmed. Authorities and cybersecurity experts are working with Collins Aerospace and affected airports to determine whether the incident was a result of criminal hacking, a state-sponsored cyber intrusion, or an internal technical failure exploited by external actors.
A spokesperson for Collins Aerospace stated:
“We are actively investigating the cause of the disruption and are working closely with airlines, airports, and relevant authorities to restore full operations as quickly as possible.”
Why This Matters
This incident highlights the growing cybersecurity threats facing the aviation industry. Airports and airlines are increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, making them potential high-value targets for hackers. The disruption also serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of global air travel systems, where a single technical failure can ripple across multiple countries.
What’s Next?
- Investigations will determine whether sensitive passenger or airline data was compromised.
- Airports are expected to review their cybersecurity defenses and potentially implement more robust backup systems to avoid future large-scale disruptions.
- Passengers planning to fly through affected airports in the coming days are advised to check flight status regularly and allow extra time for check-in and boarding.
Key Takeaways
- A cyberattack disrupted Collins Aerospace systems, affecting airports in London, Brussels, Berlin, and Ireland.
- Hundreds of flights were delayed or cancelled, with passengers forced to undergo manual check-in.
- The source of the cyberattack remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
- The incident raises fresh concerns about aviation cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world.
