Cyber Attack on European Airports Sparks Global Concern: Heathrow Airport Among Those on High Alert

A cyber attack on European airports has caused widespread chaos, grounding flights, delaying passengers, and putting critical aviation systems under intense scrutiny. The incident, linked to a breach of Collins Aerospace’s MUSE check-in software, disrupted operations at major hubs including Heathrow Airport, Brussels Airport, and Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Passengers were left facing long queues, cancellations, and manual check-in procedures as airports scrambled to restore normal operations.

Heathrow Airport on High Alert After System Outage

At the heart of the disruption was Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest in Europe. Electronic check-in and baggage drop systems collapsed, forcing staff to revert to manual procedures. This led to:

• Long queues stretching across terminals

• Flight cancellations and significant delays

• Passengers being advised to check flight status before leaving home

Heathrow officials urged passengers to arrive no more than three hours before long-haul flights and two hours before domestic flights, to avoid worsening congestion.

How the Cyber Attack on European Airports Unfolded

The attack targeted Collins Aerospace’s MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) — a widely used third-party platform that powers check-in, boarding, and baggage systems across Europe. When the system went offline:

• Airlines were forced to issue boarding passes manually

• Baggage drop processes slowed down drastically

• Airports struggled to handle passenger flows efficiently

The centralized nature of the MUSE service meant multiple hubs were affected simultaneously, highlighting the vulnerability of interconnected aviation systems.

Impact on Brussels and Berlin Airports

The cyber attack on European airports extended beyond the UK, striking Belgium and Germany.

• Brussels Airport: Around 10 flights were canceled, while 15 others were delayed. Manual processing could not keep pace with demand.

• Berlin Brandenburg Airport: Travelers faced long waiting times, with delays quickly spreading across scheduled departures.

Both airports confirmed that the outages were linked to the same MUSE system failure, adding pressure to restore full electronic operations.

Passenger Experience During the Disruptions

The fallout from the attack was felt most severely by passengers. Travelers reported confusion, frustration, and extended waiting times. The main issues included:

1. Manual check-in leading to longer queues

2. Flight delays disrupting connections across Europe

3. Last-minute cancellations without timely alternatives

Passenger Tips During System Outages

Aviation Security Under Global Scrutiny

This cyber attack on European airports highlights urgent concerns about aviation cybersecurity. Experts warn that:

• Centralized digital infrastructure creates single points of failure

• Third-party vendors must improve resilience against attacks

• Backup and manual systems are often too weak to handle peak passenger loads

The incident has become a wake-up call for governments, regulators, and airlines to reassess cybersecurity defenses in aviation.

Who Is Behind the Attack?

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the cyber attack. Authorities have not provided definitive attribution, but theories range from:

• Ransomware actors seeking financial gain

• State-sponsored attackers testing vulnerabilities

• Sabotage designed to cause operational disruption

The lack of clarity has fueled speculation, though investigations are ongoing.

What Happens Next for Airports and Travelers

Airports and airlines are working to restore the MUSE check-in system and gradually return to normal operations. In the meantime:

• Travelers are advised to use online check-in whenever possible

• Airports will continue to rely on manual backups until systems stabilize

• Governments may push for new regulations to secure aviation infrastructure

The cyber attack on European airports has underscored how a single digital breach can ripple across multiple countries, affecting thousands of travelers in a matter of hours.