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Collins Aerospace cyberattack hits European airports
Collins Aerospace cyberattack knocked out check-in and baggage systems at Heathrow and other European airports, forcing manual workarounds and widespread delays.
In recent days several major European airports reported system outages after a cyber incident affecting Collins Aerospace technology used for check-in and bag‑drop operations. The disruption led to hundreds of delayed flights as airlines reverted to manual processes to keep passengers moving.
London Heathrow was among the airports impacted, with ground teams tagging luggage by hand and staff handling check‑in offline. Airlines told travellers to expect slower processing times and to check flight status directly with their carrier before travelling to the airport.
The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) announced an arrest in West Sussex: a man in his forties detained as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities stressed the probe is active and urged industry partners to share intelligence as they assess the full scale and origin of the incident.
Why the Collins Aerospace cyberattack matters for aviation security
Aviation relies on shared digital systems across airports, ground handlers and suppliers. When a key vendor like Collins Aerospace suffers an outage, effects ripple quickly: baggage handling, boarding passes and flight manifests can be delayed even if aircraft and crews remain available.
- Immediate impact: Collins Aerospace cyberattack disrupted bag‑drop and check‑in terminals, causing manual processing and flight delays.
- Operational response: Airlines and handlers implemented manual checks, slowing passenger flow and increasing turnaround times.
- Law enforcement: The UK NCA arrested a suspect in West Sussex as investigators work to determine scope and motive.
- Passenger advice: Check with your airline, arrive early, and expect longer queues until systems are restored.
Security experts say the incident underlines how aviation’s interlinked IT ecosystem is an attractive target for criminals and how resilience depends on fast information-sharing, robust backups and tested manual procedures. For now, passengers should monitor airline communications and prepare for possible delays at affected airports.
