What Happened?

⁣ A series of cyberattacks targeting airport check-in systems caused widespread disruption on Friday night,September 20,2024,forcing many passengers to rely on manual check-in and boarding​ processes. Heathrow Airport⁢ in London, ​along with Brandenburg Airport in Berlin, and Dublin and Cork Airports experienced notable delays.

RTX, the‍ parent company of Collins Aerospace, confirmed the attacks, stating they “realized the existence of cyber-related ⁢disorders”‌ affecting systems at “certain airports.” The company is ‌working to resolve the issue.
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Impact on⁢ Airlines and Passengers

‍ ⁣ ⁤ ⁢ The attacks specifically targeted the Muse software, a system ⁣used by multiple airlines to share check-in desks and departure gates.⁢ While british Airways was able to operate using a ⁢backup system, most other airlines at‍ Heathrow were affected.FlightAware data indicated hundreds⁢ of flights were ‌postponed‌ throughout Saturday, September 21, 2024. FlightAware flight trackers.
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Dublin Airport and Cork Airport ⁢reported a “small impact,” with​ airlines implementing manual check-in procedures. Passengers faced lengthy queues and ‌uncertainty.

Lucy Spencer, traveling with Malaysian Airlines, reported waiting in line ‌for over two hours. Staff were manually processing baggage and verifying passenger details by phone. Despite receiving a mobile⁢ boarding pass, ⁤she was later directed back to the check-in desk when the pass failed to⁣ scan. She described ‍”hundreds of people queuing” at Terminal 4.

Monazza Aslam⁤ experienced further disruption,remaining on the runway for over an hour ⁤and missing a⁣ connecting flight ‌in Doha. She described being stranded at Heathrow with elderly parents since ⁤5:00 AM,⁢ facing hunger and fatigue.
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What is Muse Software?

⁢ ⁤ Muse is a widely used software platform developed by collins Aerospace that enables airlines ⁢to share common-use ​terminal equipment (CUTE) at airports. This allows ​airlines to operate more efficiently by reducing the need ​for dedicated check-in desks and gates.The software streamlines passenger processing ⁣and improves airport ⁣resource‍ utilization. Collins Aerospace⁣ Muse.

Who is Affected?

• Passengers: Experienced significant delays, long queues, and potential missed connections.
• Airlines: faced​ operational disruptions and increased staffing costs due to manual check-in procedures.
• Airports: Experienced congestion and potential damage ‌to‍ their reputation.

Timeline of ⁤Events

• Friday, ⁤September 20, 2024 (Evening): Cyberattacks begin impacting ⁢airport check-in systems.
• Saturday, September 21, 2024: hundreds of flights postponed ⁤at Heathrow and other affected‌ airports. Passengers report significant delays and disruptions.
• September 20, ‌2024 (Late): RTX/Collins Aerospace confirms the attacks and initiates remediation ​efforts.

What’s Being Done?

⁤ RTX/Collins Aerospace is actively​ working to resolve the cyberattacks and restore⁣ normal system functionality.‌ Airports and airlines