Cyberattack Disrupts European Airports: A Wake-Up Call for Aviation Security

Flight Chaos Across Europe

On September 19–20, 2025, a cyberattack hit check-in and boarding systems at several major European airports. Brussels, Berlin, and London Heathrow were among the hardest hit. At Brussels Airport alone, at least nine flights were canceled, four diverted, and many delayed as staff switched to manual check-in【AP News】【France24】. Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport warned of long queues, while Heathrow reported “minimal” impact but urged travelers to monitor flight updates【The National】.

CNN reported that departure boards in Belgium showed multiple delays, while Euronews noted that half of Brussels flights on Sunday were canceled【CNN】【Euronews】. Al Jazeera added that Dublin and Cork also saw disruptions【Al Jazeera】.

How the Attack Happened

The cyberattack targeted Collins Aerospace’s MUSE (Multi-User System Environment), a platform used by airlines and airports for passenger check-in and boarding【AP News】. Once the system was taken offline, staff had to process travelers by hand, which slowed operations dramatically. Experts called it “a clever cyberattack” because it exploited a third-party provider used across multiple countries【France24】.

As of September 20, no group has claimed responsibility. Investigators continue to assess the scale of the breach and the methods used【Euronews】.

Why This Matters

Air travel relies on digital systems that connect airlines, airports, and global passengers. A single point of failure, such as a shared software provider, can cripple multiple airports at once. This incident highlights the urgent need for resilience planning and strong cybersecurity measures in the aviation sector【The National】.

What OSRS Can Do to Help

ÒGÚN Security Research and Strategic Consulting LLC (OSRS) specializes in cybersecurity advisory and strategic consulting. Our services include:

• Risk Assessments: Evaluating third-party technology providers to uncover weaknesses.

• Incident Response Planning: Building playbooks for rapid response to minimize downtime.

• Resilience Training: Preparing airport staff and management for cyber disruption scenarios.

• Compliance Support: Guiding aviation stakeholders through frameworks like NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001.

OSRS stands ready to help the aviation industry strengthen defenses and maintain trust in global travel.