Sat Sep 20 17:10:00 UTC 2025: **Cyberattack Disrupts Check-in Systems at Major European Airports, Causing Flight Delays**

**LONDON** – A cyberattack targeting electronic check-in and baggage systems has caused significant disruption at several major European airports, including Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin Brandenburg, resulting in flight delays and passenger frustration.

Heathrow Airport confirmed that a number of flights were delayed Saturday due to a “technical issue” impacting software provided to airlines. Brussels Airport reported manual check-in and boarding processes following a Friday night cyberattack. Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport also reported increased wait times.

The cyberattack has been linked to software provider Collins Aerospace, owned by RTX. The company acknowledged a “cyber-related disruption” to its systems at select airports, impacting its Muse software, which allows multiple airlines to share check-in desks and boarding gates. RTX said it was working to resolve the issue and emphasized that the impact was limited to electronic check-in and baggage drop. They assure the public that manual check-in procedures can be implemented as a workaround.

While British Airways is reportedly operating normally using a backup system, most other airlines at Heathrow have been affected. Passengers have reported long queues, missed connections, and lack of assistance.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) confirmed it is working with Collins Aerospace, affected UK airports, the Department for Transport, and law enforcement to fully understand the impact of the incident. The European Commission, responsible for managing European airspace, stated that there were no indications of a widespread or severe attack, but an investigation is underway.

Hundreds of flights have been delayed across the affected airports, according to flight tracker FlightAware. Dublin and Cork Airports also experienced a minor impact.

Europe’s combined aviation safety organization, Eurocontrol, has requested airlines to cancel half their flight schedules to and from Brussels Airport between Saturday and Monday due to the disruption.

The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of the aviation industry to cyber threats, especially given a similar global IT crash in July caused by faulty software.

While speculation about the source of the attack is ongoing, cybersecurity experts caution against premature accusations, emphasizing that recent major cyberattacks have been perpetrated by criminal gangs motivated by financial gain through extortion and ransomware. Collins Aerospace has yet to publicly comment on the nature or origin of the hack.

Liberal Democrats MP Calum Miller has called on the government to clarify whether they suspect Kremlin involvement. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has stated she is aware of the incident and receiving regular updates.

Heathrow Airport has deployed additional staff to assist passengers and advises them to check flight status with their airlines and arrive no more than three hours before a long-haul flight or two hours before a domestic flight.

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