A cyberattack targeting airline check-in and boarding systems disrupted air traffic across several major European airports on Saturday, exposing weaknesses in aviation security.
Systems Forced to Manual Check-In
The attack began late Friday, striking the third-party provider Collins Aerospace, which supplies self check-in and baggage-drop software. Airports in Brussels, Berlin, and London Heathrow were among those affected, forcing agents to process passengers manually.
Limited but Widespread Impact
Brussels Airport initially reported a “large impact,” canceling nine flights and redirecting four others. Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport and Heathrow said delays were minimal, but passengers faced long waits. One traveler at Heathrow described staff handwriting baggage tags and long lines at under-staffed counters.
Expert Concerns Over Vulnerabilities
Cybersecurity experts warned that aviation’s dependence on shared digital systems makes it an attractive target. “These attacks often strike through the supply chain, exploiting third-party platforms,” said Charlotte Wilson of Check Point.
Investigation Underway
Officials have not identified the perpetrators. Some analysts suspect hackers or state actors, while others believe it may be digital vandalism rather than an extortion attempt. Collins Aerospace said it is working to restore full functionality and emphasized that manual check-in remains a backup option.
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