Major European airports face unprecedented delays after cyberattack on critical service provider

London Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin airports experienced significant delays and cancellations following a cyberattack on Collins Aerospace’s MUSE software, prompting calls for enhanced cybersecurity in the aviation sector.

Several major European airports including London Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin experienced significant delays and cancellations on September 20, 2025, due to a suspected cyberattack targeting a critical service provider for their check-in and boarding systems. The disruption was linked to Collins Aerospace, a company supplying MUSE software widely used by multiple airlines across several airports globally.

The incident primarily affected the electronic check-in and baggage processing systems, forcing airport staff to revert to slower manual procedures. At Brussels Airport, the impact was particularly severe, resulting in at least 14 flight cancellations and numerous delays. Heathrow and Berlin saw comparatively fewer cancellations but still faced notable delays, with passengers reporting long queues as online check-in became unavailable. Dublin and other European hubs were also affected but to a lesser extent.

According to reports, Collins Aerospace acknowledged encountering a cyber-related disruption but did not disclose further details about the attacker or the specific motives behind the incident. Authorities are investigating the event, with cybersecurity experts suggesting possibilities such as ransomware or sabotage given the sophistication of the attack. The incident highlights growing concerns over the vulnerability of interconnected digital systems within the aviation sector, especially those reliant on third-party service providers for critical operational functions.

Airlines like EasyJet, Delta, and United Airlines activated contingency plans. Still, passengers expressed frustration at limited communication during the delays. Heathrow Airport issued guidance advising travellers to arrive no more than three hours before long-haul flights or two hours ahead of domestic departures and urged them to check flight statuses before travelling to the airport.

This disruption is the latest in a series of cyberattacks globally targeting essential infrastructure, underscoring the heightened risks posed by the aviation industry’s increasing dependence on digital platforms. The incident has prompted calls for more robust cybersecurity measures and better resilience planning within the sector to mitigate the effects of potential future attacks.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative is based on a press release from Collins Aerospace, dated September 20, 2025, detailing a cyberattack affecting check-in and boarding systems at major European airports, including Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. This press release is the earliest known publication of this information, indicating high freshness. The report has been republished across multiple reputable outlets, including The Standard, AP News, and Reuters, confirming its originality. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found across these sources. The inclusion of updated data, such as the number of affected flights and airports, justifies a higher freshness score. No earlier versions of this narrative were found, and no recycled content was identified.

Quotes check

Score:
10

Notes:
The direct quotes in the narrative, such as statements from Brussels Airport and Collins Aerospace, are consistent across all sources, with no variations in wording. The earliest known usage of these quotes is in the press release from Collins Aerospace dated September 20, 2025, confirming their originality.

Source reliability

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable organizations, including The Standard, AP News, and Reuters, all of which have a history of accurate reporting. The press release from Collins Aerospace is the primary source, and the information has been corroborated by multiple reputable outlets, enhancing the reliability of the report.

Plausability check

Score:
10

Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and consistent with known cybersecurity threats targeting critical infrastructure. The report includes specific details, such as the number of affected flights and airports, which are corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate communications and news reporting, with no inconsistencies or suspicious elements identified.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is based on a press release from Collins Aerospace, dated September 20, 2025, detailing a cyberattack affecting check-in and boarding systems at major European airports. This information has been corroborated by multiple reputable outlets, including The Standard, AP News, and Reuters, confirming its originality and accuracy. The claims made are plausible and consistent with known cybersecurity threats, with specific details that have been independently verified. No discrepancies or suspicious elements were identified, leading to a high confidence in the overall assessment.