Heathrow Hit! Cyber Attack Causes Airport Chaos in Europe!
Air travel across Europe faced major disruptions this weekend as a cyber-attack crippled check-in and baggage systems at several major airports, including London's Heathrow. Passengers at Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin experienced long queues, delays, and flight cancellations.
What Happened?
The attack targeted Collins Aerospace, a software provider owned by RTX, and specifically its MUSE software. This software allows multiple airlines to share check-in desks and boarding gates, making it a critical component of airport operations. RTX has acknowledged a "cyber-related disruption" to its system and is working to resolve the issue.
Impact on Airports
- Heathrow: Faced significant delays, but airport officials stated that the "vast majority of flights have continued to operate."
- Brussels Airport: Experienced a "large impact on the flight schedule," with delays and cancellations. The airport asked airlines to cancel half of their departing flights for Monday.
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport: Reported ongoing problems but stated that a manual workaround was in place, preventing major delays or cancellations.
The Aftermath and Investigation
While disruption eased significantly by Sunday, some delays persisted. Regional regulators are investigating the origin of the cyber-attack. The incident highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats, with echoes of similar attacks impacting sectors from healthcare to automotive industries. This includes a breach at carmaker Jaguar Land Rover which halted production, and Marks & Spencer losses in the hundreds of millions of pounds due to a cyberattack.
Passengers are advised to check their flight status before travelling to the airport and to arrive with ample time for check-in.