A Cyberattack on Collins Aerospace Disrupted Operations at Major European Airports

A devastating cyberattack on Collins Aerospace has brought major European airports to a standstill, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or waiting for hours. The attack, which began on Friday night, has affected check-in and boarding systems at some of the busiest airports in Europe, including Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin.

The Impact of the Attack

The outage caused by the cyberattack has resulted in numerous flight delays and cancellations, forcing airlines to switch to manual procedures. This has led to long queues and widespread delays, with many passengers facing extended waiting times at airports. Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), provides advanced systems for commercial, business, and military aircraft, as well as integrated solutions for airports and space exploration.

Collins Aerospace's Response

In response to the attack, Collins Aerospace attempted to downplay the severity of the incident. "We have become aware of a cyber-related disruption to our Muse software in select airports," said RTX in a statement. "We are actively working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality to our customers as quickly as possible." However, airlines and passengers were left frustrated by the lack of detail on the cause of the attack and the expected timeline for resolution.

Airports Affected

Several major European airports have been impacted by the cyberattack. Brussels Airport warned that only manual check-in was available, while Berlin Airport experienced extended waiting times. Heathrow Airport, which is one of the busiest in Europe, urged travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Cybersecurity Experts Weigh In

Cybersecurity experts warn that heavy reliance on centralized providers makes critical infrastructure fragile. "Services provided by a single company represent a single point of failure," said one expert. An attack against these services can disrupt multiple sites, creating major ripple effects. The recent airport outage highlights the risks of efficiency-driven but vulnerable models in the aviation sector.

Rise in Aviation Cyberattacks

Attacks on the aviation sector have surged 600% from 2024 to 2025, exposing the risks of efficiency-driven but vulnerable models. Experts call for stronger security, contingency plans, and vigilance to safeguard travelers and operations.

Conclusion

The cyberattack on Collins Aerospace serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure in the aviation sector. As airlines and passengers navigate the challenges posed by this attack, it is clear that improved cybersecurity measures are needed to protect against similar incidents in the future.