Cyberattack Disrupts Major European Airports, Causing Widespread Delays
A significant cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems has led to substantial disruptions at several major airports across Europe, officials reported on Saturday. The incident, which occurred late on Friday, September 19, has raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the aviation sector.
Impact on Airports
Brussels Airport was among the hardest hit, announcing that only manual check-in and boarding procedures were operational due to the cyberattack. The airport described the situation as having a “large impact” on flight schedules, prompting travelers to brace for delays. “There was a cyberattack on Friday night against the service provider for the check-in and boarding systems affecting several European airports, including Brussels Airport,” the airport stated in an official release.
Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport also reported disruptions, confirming that a service provider for passenger handling systems had been targeted. In response, airport operators severed connections to the affected systems to mitigate further complications. London Heathrow Airport, the busiest in Europe, acknowledged a “technical issue” affecting its check-in and boarding systems, which was linked to the same cyberattack.
The Role of Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX Corp. (formerly Raytheon Technologies), is the primary service provider for check-in and boarding systems at multiple airports globally. The company confirmed it was experiencing a “cyber-related disruption” to its Multi-User System Environment software at select airports. Despite the challenges, Collins assured that manual check-in operations could still be utilized, stating, “We are actively working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality to our customers as quickly as possible.”
The technology provided by Collins allows passengers to check themselves in, print boarding passes, and dispatch their luggage from kiosks. This reliance on automated systems underscores the potential vulnerabilities in modern aviation infrastructure, where a single cyber incident can lead to widespread operational chaos.
Traveler Advisories and Reactions
Airports across Europe have advised travelers to check their flight statuses and prepare for potential delays. The situation has sparked frustration among passengers, many of whom are already dealing with the residual effects of previous travel disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing staffing shortages in the aviation industry.
While the impact of the cyberattack was significant, it was not uniform across all airports. Notably, Roissy, Orly, and Le Bourget airports in the Paris area reported no disruptions, indicating that the attack’s effects were localized to specific systems and locations.
Broader Context of Cybersecurity in Aviation
This incident is not an isolated event; it highlights a growing trend of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. In recent years, airports and airlines have increasingly become targets for cybercriminals, with attacks ranging from ransomware to data breaches. The aviation sector’s reliance on interconnected systems makes it particularly susceptible to such threats.
In a related incident, Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, one of Russia’s busiest airports, reported that its website had been hacked and was offline. However, operations at the airport remained unaffected, and specialists were working to restore service. This incident further illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by airports worldwide in safeguarding their digital infrastructure.
Historical Precedents
Historically, the aviation industry has faced various challenges related to cybersecurity. The 2016 cyberattack on the airline industry, which targeted the Sabre reservation system, serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in digital systems. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the tactics employed by cybercriminals, necessitating a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Governments and aviation authorities are increasingly recognizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Initiatives aimed at enhancing the security of aviation systems are being implemented, but the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen in light of recent events.
Conclusion
The recent cyberattack on European airports serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist within the aviation sector. As travelers face delays and disruptions, the incident raises critical questions about the security of digital infrastructure in an increasingly interconnected world. With the aviation industry still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures has never been more urgent. As Collins Aerospace works to resolve the issues, the incident underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
