Cyber Attack Disrupts European Airport Operations
- Major European airports, including London Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, experienced critically important delays and cancellations on saturday, September 20, 2023, due to a cyberattack targeting Collins Aerospace, a...
- A cyber security incident impacted Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, disrupting operations at several major european airports. The attack specifically affected passenger check-in and baggage dispatch systems.
- Heathrow Airport, the busiest airport in Europe, was among the first to report delays.
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European Airport Disruptions Following Cyberattack on Collins Aerospace
Table of Contents
Major European airports, including London Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, experienced critically important delays and cancellations on saturday, September 20, 2023, due to a cyberattack targeting Collins Aerospace, a key provider of airport check-in and boarding systems.
What Happened?
A cyber security incident impacted Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, disrupting operations at several major european airports. The attack specifically affected passenger check-in and baggage dispatch systems. While the exact nature of the attack remains undisclosed, it rendered automated systems inoperative, forcing airports to rely on manual processes.
Heathrow Airport, the busiest airport in Europe, was among the first to report delays. Brussels Airport and Berlin Airport also confirmed disruptions in separate statements. RTX acknowledged a “cyber security-related interruption” in its airport software but did not specify which systems were compromised.
Impact and Mitigation
The primary impact of the cyberattack was on passenger check-in and baggage handling. Airports were forced to switch to manual procedures,substantially slowing down the process. RTX stated that the impact was “limited” and could be mitigated thru manual operations. Though, this mitigation strategy resulted in ample delays and flight cancellations.
As of Saturday afternoon, Brussels Airport reported 10 flights had been canceled. Heathrow Airport did not provide a specific cancellation number but warned passengers to expect significant disruptions. The full extent of the cancellations and delays is still unfolding.
| Airport | Status | Reported Impact |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow (LHR) | Significant Delays | Delays and cancellations; manual check-in in effect. |
| Brussels Airport (BRU) | Delays & Cancellations | 10+ flights canceled; manual check-in and boarding. |
| Berlin Airport (BER) | Delays | Delays reported; manual processes implemented. |
What we Know About Collins aerospace and RTX
Collins Aerospace, a unit of RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies), is a major provider of aerospace systems and services. They supply a wide range of solutions to airlines and airports globally, including check-in systems, flight management systems, and cabin electronics. RTX is a multinational conglomerate specializing in aerospace and defense.
The vulnerability of critical airport infrastructure to cyberattacks highlights the increasing reliance on technology within the aviation industry and the potential for significant disruption when these systems are compromised.
Timeline of Events
- Friday Night: The cyberattack on Collins Aerospace systems begins.
- Saturday, September 20, 2023: Disruptions begin at Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin airports.
- Saturday, September 20, 2023 (Afternoon): Brussels Airport reports 10+ flight cancellations.
- Ongoing: Airports continue to implement manual procedures and work to restore full functionality.
Who is Affected?
The cyberattack directly affects:
- Passengers: Facing delays, cancellations, and potential travel disruptions.
- Airlines: Experiencing operational challenges and increased costs due to manual processes.
- Airports: Dealing with congestion,passenger frustration,and reputational damage.
- Collins Aerospace/RT