Cyber-attack disrupts Heathrow and European airports

Major Cyber-Attack Disrupts Air Travel Across Europe

A significant cyber-attack has disrupted air travel across several major European airports, including Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport. The incident has led to widespread delays, manual check-in processes, and long queues for passengers. The attack targeted an electronic check-in and baggage system, affecting airlines and airport operations.

Heathrow Airport reported that a technical issue impacted software used by multiple airlines, causing flight delays on Saturday. While British Airways reportedly continues to operate using a backup system, most other airlines based at the airport have faced challenges. The affected system, known as Muse, is designed to allow different airlines to share check-in desks and boarding gates, streamlining the process for passengers.

Brussels Airport experienced similar issues, with passengers required to check in and board manually due to the cyber-attack. Meanwhile, Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport also reported extended waiting times as a result of the disruption. The software provider, Collins Aerospace, which is owned by RTX, confirmed it was aware of the cyber-related disruption and working to resolve the issue quickly. It emphasized that the impact was limited to electronic check-in and baggage drop systems, which could be mitigated through manual operations.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) stated it was collaborating with Collins Aerospace, UK airports, the Department for Transport, and law enforcement to fully understand the incident's scope. Flight tracking service FlightAware reported hundreds of delayed flights across the affected airports throughout Saturday.

Dublin and Cork Airports also experienced a minor impact from the attack, with some airlines implementing manual check-in procedures. Passengers shared their experiences of the chaos caused by the disruption. Lucy Spencer described waiting over two hours at Heathrow’s Terminal 4 for a Malaysia Airlines flight, with staff manually tagging luggage and checking passengers in over the phone. She noted that boarding passes on her phone did not work at the gates, leading to further confusion.

Monazza Aslam recounted her frustration after being stuck on the tarmac for over an hour without knowing when her flight would depart. She had already missed her onward connection at Doha. Another passenger, Johnny Lal, expressed concern about missing his flight to Bombay for his mother-in-law’s funeral. He highlighted the difficulty in accessing necessary mobility equipment during the crisis.

Despite the challenges, some passengers found the situation manageable. Luke Agger-Joynes noted that while queues in Terminal 3 were larger than usual, the airline and airport appeared well-prepared, with queues moving faster than expected. Staff were calling out specific flights and prioritizing passengers to prevent missed connections.

Heathrow Airport has deployed additional staff at check-in areas to minimize disruption. It advised passengers to check their flight status with their airline before arriving at the airport and to arrive no earlier than three hours before a long-haul flight or two hours for domestic flights.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed she was aware of the incident and receiving regular updates on the situation. The ongoing efforts to restore normal operations highlight the importance of cybersecurity in modern aviation infrastructure. As the situation unfolds, passengers and airlines continue to navigate the challenges posed by this large-scale cyber-attack.