Airport Check-In System Malfunctions Lead to Significant Delays and Flight Disruptions

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Cyberattack Disrupts European Airports, thousands Face Delays

September 20, 2025

A significant cyberattack is causing widespread chaos at several of Europe’s largest airports, leading to extensive flight delays and operational challenges.The attack, which began Friday night, has primarily impacted check-in and baggage handling systems, forcing airlines to revert to manual processes.

widespread Impact Across Europe

Heathrow Airport in London, Brussels Airport in Belgium, and Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport are among the facilities grappling with significant disruptions.Passengers are reporting lengthy queues and uncertainty as airlines struggle to manage the situation. Dublin and Cork Airports in ireland have also reported minor impacts, implementing manual check-in procedures.

Officials at Brussels Airport confirmed the cyberattack necessitates fully manual check-in and boarding,severely affecting flight schedules. Eurocontrol, the European association for air safety, has requested airlines to cancel approximately half of their flights to and from Brussels between 04:00 GMT Saturday and 02:00 GMT Monday to mitigate the disruption.

Collins Aerospace Identifies the Source

RTX, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, has acknowledged a “cyber-related disruption” affecting its systems at “select airports.” The company stated that the impact is concentrated on electronic customer check-in and baggage drop services, which can be partially addressed through manual operations. The affected software is identified as Muse, which facilitates shared check-in and boarding gate usage among airlines within an airport.

While British Airways appears to be operating normally thanks to a backup system, numerous other airlines at Heathrow are facing difficulties. Passengers traveling with airlines other than British Airways should anticipate significant delays and potential disruptions.

Passenger Accounts Detail mounting Frustrations

Travelers are sharing experiences of extensive delays and considerable uncertainty. Lucy Spencer, traveling with Malaysia Airlines from Heathrow, reported waiting over two hours to check in, with staff struggling to manually process luggage and boarding passes. monazza Aslam, stranded at Heathrow with her elderly parents, lamented being stuck on the tarmac for over an hour, missing a connecting flight to Doha.

Another passenger, Johnny Lal, missed his flight to Bombay due to the delays and faced challenges securing assistance for his mother, who requires a mobility scooter. despite Heathrow’s efforts to provide additional staff, the disruption is causing significant hardship.

Cybersecurity Concerns and Potential Actors

While speculation regarding state-sponsored actors persists, experts believe the attack is likely the work of criminal gangs motivated by financial gain. Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common,with extortion gangs generating substantial revenue by demanding cryptocurrency payments.

collins Aerospace has not yet released a public statement regarding the nature or origin of the cyberattack. Authorities are investigating, however, similar attacks have been traced to groups operating in Russia and former Soviet countries, although individuals in other regions, including teenagers in the UK and US, have also been implicated in recent cyber incidents.

Airport	Impact	Status
Heathrow (London)	Significant Delays, some airline Impacts	Partially Operational
Brussels	Major Disruption, Manual Check-in	Severely Impacted
Berlin Brandenburg	Longer Waiting Times	Impacted
Dublin & Cork	Minor Impact, Manual Processes	Partially Impacted

Understanding Airport Cybersecurity

Airports and airlines are increasingly reliant on interconnected digital systems, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The 2023 IT crash caused by Crowdstrike, which grounded flights across the US, highlighted the fragility of these systems. IBM outlines critical cybersecurity needs for the aviation industry. These systems manage everything from flight scheduling and baggage handling to passenger data and security protocols. Protecting these systems requires robust cybersecurity measures, including intrusion detection systems, data encryption, and regular security audits.

Did You know? The aviation industry is a prime target for cyberattacks due to the sensitive nature of the data it handles and the potential for widespread disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is causing the airport disruptions?
  A cyberattack targeting check-in and baggage handling systems is the root cause of the disruptions.
• Which airports are affected by the cyberattack?
  Heathrow, Brussels, Berlin Brandenburg, Dublin, and cork airports are currently experiencing disruptions.
• How long will these disruptions last?
  Eurocontrol has requested flight cancellations to and from Brussels through Monday morning, but the overall duration is uncertain.
• Is my flight likely to be cancelled?
  If you are traveling to or from Brussels, a cancellation is highly probable. Other airports may experience delays.
• What can I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
  Contact your airline directly for rebooking options and information about compensation.
• What cybersecurity measures are airports taking?
  airports are investing in intrusion detection systems, data encryption, and regular security audits to protect their systems.
• Is ransomware frequently used in these attacks?
  Yes, ransomware attacks are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to extort money from organizations.

Do you think airports are adequately prepared for these types of cyberattacks? What additional measures should be taken to improve aviation cybersecurity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What preventative measures can airlines and airports implement to mitigate the risk of software glitches in check-in systems?

Understanding the root Causes of Check-In System Failures

Airport check-in systems are complex networks relying on numerous interconnected components. When one fails, the ripple effect can cause widespread flight delays and significant travel disruptions. Several factors contribute to these malfunctions:

* Software Glitches: Bugs in the airline’s reservation system, Departure Control System (DCS), or the airport’s common-use terminal equipment (CUTE) can halt the check-in process.

* Hardware failures: Issues with servers, network infrastructure, check-in kiosks, baggage handling systems, or even power outages can bring operations to a standstill.

* cybersecurity Threats: Increasingly, airports and airlines are targets for cyberattacks, including ransomware, which can cripple critical systems. A triumphant attack can lead to data breaches and system shutdowns.

* System Overload: Peak travel times, like holidays or major events, can overwhelm systems not designed to handle the volume, leading to slowdowns and crashes.

* Integration issues: Airlines frequently enough use different systems, and integrating these with airport infrastructure can create vulnerabilities and points of failure. Airline IT failures are a common source of disruption.

The Impact on Passengers and Airlines

The consequences of a check-in system malfunction are far-reaching. Passengers face:

* Long Queues: Manual check-in becomes the only option, creating massive lines and extended wait times.

* Missed Connections: Delays can cause passengers to miss connecting flights, leading to further complications.

* Baggage Handling Problems: System failures can disrupt baggage tracking and loading, resulting in lost or delayed luggage.

* Stress and Frustration: The uncertainty and inconvenience of delays can be incredibly stressful for travelers.

Airlines suffer significant financial and reputational damage:

* Compensation Costs: Airlines are often legally obligated to compensate passengers for delays and cancellations, leading to significant expenses.

* operational Costs: Rerouting flights, providing accommodation, and managing the disruption require significant resources.

* reputational Damage: Frequent disruptions erode passenger trust and can negatively impact brand image. Travel chaos becomes synonymous with the airline.

Recent Examples of Major Check-In System Disruptions

Several high-profile incidents highlight the severity of the problem:

* British Airways (2017): A major IT failure caused the cancellation of over 700 flights,affecting over 75,000 passengers. The issue stemmed from a power surge at a data center.

* Delta Air Lines (2016 & 2017): Delta experienced multiple system outages, including a global outage in 2016 that stranded thousands. These were attributed to a combination of factors,including aging infrastructure and software issues.

* Southwest Airlines (2022): Widespread flight cancellations were caused by a combination of weather and internal system issues, including problems with crew scheduling software.

* United Airlines (2023): A software glitch impacted the airline’s flight dispatch system,leading to delays across its network.

These events demonstrate the vulnerability of even major airlines to system failures. Airport disruptions are becoming increasingly common.

Mitigating the Risks: Strategies for Betterment

Addressing the issue requires a multi-faceted approach:

* System Redundancy: Implementing backup systems and failover mechanisms to ensure continuity of operations in case of a primary system failure.

* Regular System Updates & Maintenance: Proactive software updates and hardware maintenance can prevent bugs and address vulnerabilities.

* Cybersecurity Investments: Strengthening cybersecurity defenses to protect against ransomware attacks and other threats. This includes robust firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and employee training.

* Cloud-Based Solutions: Migrating to cloud-based systems can offer greater scalability, resilience, and disaster recovery capabilities.

* Improved Integration: Standardizing systems and improving integration between airlines and airports can reduce vulnerabilities.

* Enhanced Interaction: Providing passengers with timely and accurate information during disruptions is crucial. Flight status updates should be readily available through multiple channels.

Passenger Rights and What to Do During Disruptions

Knowing your rights as a passenger is essential. Depending on the region (e.g., EU, US), you may be entitled to:

* Care: Including meals, refreshments, and accommodation if the delay is significant.

* Re-routing: To your final destination on the next available flight.

* Refund: For the unused portion of your ticket.

Practical Tips for Travelers:

1. Check Flight Status Regularly: Before heading to the airport, confirm your flight status online or through the airline’s app.
2. Allow Extra Time: During peak travel periods or if there are reports of disruptions, arrive at the airport earlier than usual.
3. Download Airline Apps: These apps provide real-time updates and allow you to manage your booking.
4. Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations.
5. **Stay Informed