Airlines and Airports Disrupted Across Europe
European airports including england/heathrow/”>Heathrow, Berlin, and Brussels have been thrown into chaos after a "very clever" cyberattack crippled check-in and boarding systems supplied by Collins Aerospace. The incident has forced airlines onto a "war footing" with major delays, cancellations, and thousands of passengers stranded.
Expert Warnings Over Critical Infrastructure
Graeme Stewart, head of public %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%%sector at cybersecurity firm Check %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%%, told Sky News the incident fits into a pattern of increasing assaults on critical national infrastructure. "This is just part of a wider trend," Stewart warned. "The airlines have been on a war footing since the attacks in %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%% on UK retail and supply networks."
Questions Over Russia's Role
While investigators have not confirmed the origin of the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%%, suspicion is mounting that %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% may be behind the disruption. The attack came hours after three Russian MiG-31 jets violated Estonian airspace, sparking NATO interceptions. Liberal Democrat spokesperson Calum Miller urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to clarify whether the Kremlin is under suspicion: "If Putin is attacking our cyber systems after breaching NATO skies, Britain must respond firmly."
Chaos at Heathrow, Berlin and Brussels
- Heathrow T4: Long queues, upset passengers and reports of poor communication.
- Berlin Brandenburg (BER): Manual check-ins created hours-long lines at Terminal 1.
- Brussels Airport: Travellers reported seven gate changes and limited updates.
One Heathrow passenger, Helen Steel, travelling with her cat "Thomas," described the experience as an "absolute nightmare."
Experts: "Very Clever, Very Worrying"
Aviation analyst %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% called the attack "very clever" and deeply troubling, noting that Collins Aerospace is owned by RTX, the world's largest defence and aviation company. Cybersecurity specialist Rob Jardin added that %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%% operates one of the largest hacker groups globally and that cyberspace has become "the new frontline."
Collins Aerospace Confirms Incident
Parent company RTX acknowledged a disruption to its MUSE software in select airports and said %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_8%%teams were working to restore full functionality. The impact is limited to electronic check-in and baggage drop and can be mitigated with manual operations, the company said.
Wider Russian Aggression
- MiG-31 jets entering NATO airspace over %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_9%%.
- Russian fighters circling a Polish oil platform in the Baltic Sea.
- Drone and missile strikes across %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_10%%, with casualties reported.
Airlines Respond
- Heathrow: Advising passengers to check flight status and arrive within standard time windows.
- Brussels Airport: Manual check-in and boarding until systems are restored.
- %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_11%%: No significant impact but monitoring closely.
- Berlin Brandenburg: Warning of longer waiting times.
What Happens Next?
Authorities across Europe are investigating whether Russia is behind the attack. Experts warn that geopolitical conflicts are increasingly playing out in cyberspace, with airports and aviation systems prime targets. The disruption piles pressure on PM Keir Starmer to harden the UK's cyber defences.
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