European and Irish Airports Affected by Cyber Attack: Man Arrested in Connection to Disruptive Incident at Multiple European Airports

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Cyberattack Disrupts Air Travel Across Europe; Suspect Apprehended

A ransomware attack crippled check-in systems at major airports, impacting thousands of travelers. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

September 24, 2025

London, United Kingdom – A Cyberattack has caused widespread disruption to air travel across europe, affecting major hubs including London Heathrow, Dublin, and Brussels. Authorities have arrested a man in West Sussex, England, in connection with the incident, according to the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).

The disruption, which began over the weekend, stemmed from a targeted ransomware attack on Collins Aerospace, a leading provider of aviation systems. This attack compromised automated check-in and boarding processes, leading to important delays and cancellations for passengers.

Investigation Underway

The NCA confirmed that the 40-year-old suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday and has been released on conditional bail. Deputy Director Paul Foster emphasized that the investigation remains in its early stages and is ongoing. “Cybercrime is a persistent global threat that continues to cause significant disruption to the UK,” Foster stated.

Authorities are working with international partners to understand the full scope of the attack and mitigate further risks. The incident highlights the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats, especially within the aviation sector.

Impact on Airports

London heathrow Airport acknowledged the disruption and confirmed that airlines were implementing contingency plans.

What proactive measures can airports implement to mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure like FIDS, baggage handling, and ATC systems?

Scope of the Recent Airport Cyber Attacks

A coordinated cyber attack has significantly impacted operations at several major European airports, including key facilities in Ireland.The disruption, wich began on September 23rd, 2025, led to flight delays, cancellations, and widespread passenger frustration. Authorities have confirmed a man has been arrested in connection with the incident, though details regarding his identity and motives remain limited pending further investigation. This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cybersecurity threats and the importance of robust airport security measures.

Airports directly Affected

The following airports have reported significant disruptions:

* Dublin Airport (DUB): Experienced delays and cancellations affecting both inbound and outbound flights.

* Cork Airport (ORK): Limited operational capacity due to compromised systems.

* Shannon airport (SNN): Faced similar challenges, with a focus on rerouting flights.

* Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS): Reported intermittent system outages impacting baggage handling and flight facts displays.

* Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Experienced delays in air traffic control systems.

* Rome fiumicino Airport (FCO): Faced disruptions to passenger check-in and boarding processes.

These airports serve as crucial hubs for international travel, and the disruptions have had a ripple effect across the European aviation network. The incident underscores the interconnectedness of air traffic management systems and the potential for cascading failures.

Nature of the Cyber Attack: Ransomware Suspected

Initial investigations suggest the attack involved a complex ransomware strain, designed to encrypt critical airport systems and demand a ransom for their release. While authorities haven’t officially confirmed ransomware, the characteristics of the attack strongly indicate this method. Targeted systems included:

* Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS): Causing confusion and delays for passengers.

* Baggage Handling Systems: Leading to significant baggage delays and misrouting.

* air Traffic Control (ATC) Interaction Systems: Perhaps compromising flight safety (though contingency protocols were activated).

* Passenger Check-in Kiosks & Systems: Disrupting the initial stages of the travel process.

The attack’s sophistication suggests a well-resourced and organized threat actor. Experts in cyber threat intelligence are analyzing the malware to determine its origin and potential vulnerabilities.

the Role of the Arrested Individual

Law enforcement agencies, collaborating across multiple European nations, apprehended a suspect believed to be linked to the cyber attack. While details are scarce, sources indicate the individual is suspected of being involved in the progress or deployment of the malicious software. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine if the suspect acted alone or as part of a larger group. This arrest represents a significant step forward in the investigation, but the full extent of the attack and the motivations behind it are still being uncovered.

Impact on Passengers and Airlines

The cyber attack has caused significant disruption for both passengers and airlines.

* Flight Cancellations & Delays: Thousands of flights have been cancelled or delayed, leaving passengers stranded at airports.

* Baggage Issues: Lost or delayed baggage has become a widespread problem.

* Passenger Frustration: Long queues, lack of information, and uncertainty have led to significant passenger frustration.

* Airline Costs: Airlines are facing substantial financial losses due to cancellations, re-routing costs, and passenger compensation.

* Reputational Damage: The incident has damaged the reputation of affected airports and airlines.

Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport and to allow extra time for potential delays. Many airlines are offering flexible rebooking options to mitigate the impact on passengers.

Strengthening Airport Cybersecurity: best practices

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust cybersecurity in aviation. airports and airlines must prioritize the following:

* Regular Security Audits: Conduct extensive security audits to identify vulnerabilities.

* Employee Training: Train employees to recognize and respond to phishing attacks and other cyber threats.

* Incident Response Plans: Develop and regularly test incident response plans to ensure a swift and effective response to cyber attacks.

* Network Segmentation: Segment networks to limit the impact of a potential breach.

* Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all critical systems.

* Data Backup & Recovery: Regularly back up critical data and ensure a robust recovery plan is in place.

* Threat Intelligence sharing: Participate in threat intelligence sharing initiatives to stay informed about the latest cyber threats.

* Investment in advanced Security Technologies: Utilize advanced security technologies, such as intrusion detection systems and endpoint protection platforms.

Real-World Examples & Lessons Learned

The 2017 NotPetya attack, which impacted several Ukrainian organizations and spread globally, demonstrated the potential for cyber attacks to disrupt critical infrastructure. while not directly targeting airports, it highlighted the vulnerability of interconnected systems. More recently, several airlines have been targeted by ransomware attacks, resulting in data breaches and operational disruptions. The recent attack on European airports reinforces the need for proactive cybersecurity measures and international collaboration to address this growing threat. The Korean Air cyberattack in 2023 is another example of