A significant cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems caused widespread disruption at several major European airports on Saturday, September 19th. While the initial impact appeared limited, the incident highlighted the vulnerability of critical airport infrastructure to digital threats.
The attack primarily affected a service provider, Collins Aerospace, and its MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) software. This software is crucial for electronic check-in, boarding pass printing, baggage tagging, and automated baggage handling at kiosks. The disruption forced airports, including Brussels, Berlin Brandenburg, and London Heathrow, to revert to manual check-in and boarding procedures, leading to significant delays and cancellations.
Brussels Airport initially reported a "large impact" on its flight schedule, with nine flights canceled, four diverted, and fifteen experiencing delays exceeding an hour. However, as the day progressed, the situation appeared to stabilize. Berlin Brandenburg Airport reported no cancellations directly attributable to the cyberattack by late morning, while Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, described the disruption as "minimal," although they did not specify the number of delays experienced.
Collins Aerospace acknowledged the "cyber-related disruption" and confirmed that the impact was confined to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop. They emphasized that the issue could be mitigated through manual processes, and assured customers that they were working diligently to restore full system functionality.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing reliance on technology within the aviation industry and the potential consequences of successful cyberattacks against critical infrastructure. Airports and airlines are urged to strengthen their cybersecurity measures to prevent future disruptions and ensure the smooth operation of air travel.
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Originally published at: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/cyberattack-disrupts-check-systems-major-european-airports-125760897
