Major Airports Disrupted by European Airport Ransomware Attack

Widespread Ransomware Attack on Aviation Supplier Disrupts Major European Airports

Syed Safwan Abbas - CEO
Syed Safwan Abbas
Syed Safwan Abbas - CEO
Tech Editor
Syed Safwan Abbas is a senior full-stack developer and the founder of HashTechWave. With over a decade of hands-on coding experience and a deep interest in...
- Tech Editor
Highlights
  • What Happened: A ransomware attack on Friday (19 Sep) targeted Collins Aerospace, a key technology provider for airports.
  • Impact: The attack disrupted passenger processing software, leading to flight delays and cancellations.
  • Affected Airports: Major hubs including London Heathrow, Berlin, and Brussels are experiencing disruptions.
  • Status: The incident, which began Friday night, is being investigated by ENISA; no group has yet claimed responsibility.

A major ransomware attack targeting a critical aviation technology supplier has caused significant flight delays and cancellations across Europe, impacting major hubs like Heathrow, Berlin, and Brussels. The EU’s cybersecurity agency, ENISA, has confirmed the incident is under active investigation.

The attack specifically hit the MUSE passenger processing system, a piece of software from Collins Aerospace (owned by RTX) that is fundamental to modern airport operations. MUSE allows multiple airlines to seamlessly share physical infrastructure like check-in desks and boarding gates. Its disruption creates an operational bottleneck, having a cascading effect that can grind an airport terminal to a halt.

ENISA is aware of the ongoing disruption of airports’ operations, which were caused by third-party ransomware incident

Collins Aerospace

While Collins Aerospace is actively working with affected airports to restore services , the company has yet to respond to requests for comment. The incident remains under active investigation and so far, no group has come forward to claim responsibility for the European airport ransomware attack.

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Advice for Travelers

If you are scheduled to fly from a European airport, especially those confirmed to be affected, take the following steps:

  • Check Directly with Your Airline: Do not rely solely on airport websites. Get the most current flight status directly from your airline’s app or website.
  • Arrive Early: Expect longer-than-usual lines for check-in and security due to manual processing or system issues.
  • Prepare for Delays: Pack extra patience and ensure your electronic devices are fully charged.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which airports are affected by the ransomware attack?

Confirmed major hubs include Heathrow, Berlin, and Brussels, with potential for wider disruption across the European network.

Was the airport itself hacked?

No, the attack targeted a third-party technology supplier, Collins Aerospace, whose software is used by the airports. This is known as a supply chain attack.

Who is responsible for the attack?

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the ransomware attack.

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Syed Safwan Abbas - CEO
Tech Editor
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Syed Safwan Abbas is a senior full-stack developer and the founder of HashTechWave. With over a decade of hands-on coding experience and a deep interest in emerging technologies, he leads the platform's coverage of digital trends, smart tools, and developer news. Outside his work, he’s an active tech community contributor and a casual PUBG competitor.