European Airports Begin Restoration as Check-In Systems Cyberattack Deepens

Airports across Brussels, London, Berlin and Dublin are working to restore normal flight operations after a cyber-attack on the Muse check-in software operated by Collins Aerospace disrupted check-in, boarding pass and baggage tag services. Brussels remains the worst affected, with cancellations, delays and airport officials warning of further cancellations into Monday.

Collins Aerospace, part of RTX Corporation, confirmed its check-in and baggage drop systems have suffered a “cyber-related disruption” at several select European airports. Self-service kiosks and online check-in remain functional, but electronic check-in desks continue to be disabled, forcing staff to revert to manual workarounds.

Brussels Airport cancelled 25 departures on Saturday and 50 on Sunday ahead of a warning that roughly 140 outgoing flights for Monday may need to be scrapped. Officials cited an inability to deliver a secure patch for the compromised system. Heathrow and Berlin report improved conditions. While some delays persist at both, Heathrow has avoided mass cancellations, and Berlin is operating under manual processes with assistance. Dublin Airport, especially Terminal 2, continues to see disruptions affecting airlines like Aer Lingus which has confirmed both cancellations and delays.

Regulatory and security bodies have launched investigations. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre is coordinating efforts with Collins Aerospace and relevant law enforcement agencies to ascertain source and scope of the attack. Brussels has stated the disruption reveals lingering vulnerabilities in third-party provider systems.

Key challenges include restoring the compromised Muse software to a secure state, ensuring that data integrity has not been breached, and managing cascading operational impacts: delayed baggage, longer passenger wait times, and flight schedules being thrown off due to manual operations. In Brussels, delays range from 15 minutes to several hours; Heathrow’s delays are reported as lower; Berlin moderate.

Airlines are advising passengers to use online check-in or self-service kiosks where possible, to check flight status before arriving at airport, and to build in extra time for baggage drop where manual processes are in force. Airports have deployed extra staff to help with passenger flow. The European Commission has clarified that air traffic control and flight safety systems are not affected by the breach.