European Airport Disruptions: Ransomware Attack on Collins Aerospace Explained
Are you traveling through a major European airport and experiencing delays? Or perhaps you’re planning a trip and worried about potential disruptions? You’re not alone. A widespread ransomware attack targeting Collins Aerospace is causing significant chaos across multiple airports, impacting thousands of travelers. This article breaks down everything you need to know – what happened, which airports are affected, what’s being done to fix it, and how to protect yourself during these disruptions.
What Happened? Teh cyberattack unveiled
Over the weekend of September 20-22,2025,numerous European airports began reporting significant delays and cancellations. The root cause? A elegant ransomware attack aimed at Collins Aerospace,a leading provider of aviation solutions. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) officially confirmed the incident on Monday, September 22nd.
ENISA stated they are aware of the disruption to airport operations caused by a third-party ransomware incident, but details remain limited to protect the ongoing investigation.(https://www.enisa.europa.eu/)
Which Airports Are Affected?
The attack specifically targeted Collins Aerospace’s MUSE system - a crucial passenger processing solution. MUSE allows airlines to efficiently share check-in desks and boarding gates, streamlining operations. When this system goes down, the ripple effect is significant.
Currently confirmed affected airports include:
* London Heathrow (LHR): Experienced significant delays and some cancellations.
* Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): Faced disruptions to check-in procedures.
* Brussels Airport (BRU): Reported delays and operational challenges.
* Other Airports: While these are the moast prominently reported, the full extent of impacted airports is still being assessed. the interconnected nature of aviation systems means further disruptions are possible.
You can stay updated on specific airport disruptions through these resources:
* Heathrow Airport: https://www.heathrowairport.com/
* Berlin Brandenburg Airport: https://www.berlin-airport.de/en/index.html
* Brussels Airport: https://www.brusselsairport.be/en
The Impact on Your Travel Plans
The ransomware attack has primarily impacted check-in processes. This means longer queues, potential delays in baggage handling, and, in certain specific cases, flight cancellations. Airlines are working to manually process passengers, but this is a time-consuming process.
Here’s what you can expect:
* increased Wait Times: Arrive at the airport significantly earlier than usual.
* Potential Flight Changes: Be prepared for possible flight rescheduling or cancellations.
* Limited Airline Staff assistance: Airline staff are stretched thin dealing with the crisis.
* Dialog Challenges: Expect potential delays in receiving updates from airlines.
What is Collins Aerospace Doing?
Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX (a major defense contractor), acknowledged the attack and stated they are working diligently with affected airports to restore services. (https://www.collinsaerospace.com/) They have not yet disclosed the specific type of ransomware used or the extent of the data compromised.
According to Reuters, the company is prioritizing the restoration of the MUSE system. (https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/eu-agency-says-third-party-ransomware-behind-airport-disruptions-2025-09-22/)
Who is behind the Attack?
Currently, the identity of the attackers remains unknown. Cybersecurity experts are investigating the incident, but attribution can be a complex and lengthy process. Ransomware attacks are often carried out by organized criminal groups with geopolitical motivations. The Guardian provides ongoing coverage of the unfolding situation. ([http://theguardiancom/uk-news/2025/sep/20[http://theguardiancom/uk-news/2025/sep/20[http://theguardiancom/uk-news/2025/sep/20[http://theguardiancom/uk-news/2025/sep/20
