Cyber Attack Disrupts Operations at Major European Airports
A cyber attack-related disruption affecting the systems of airport service provider Collins Aerospace is causing significant delays at several European airports this Saturday. Operations at key hubs such as Brussels (BRU), Berlin (BER), and London-Heathrow (LHR) are impacted by issues with their check-in and baggage drop systems.
The incident directly affects the MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) software, a critical platform used by numerous airlines to manage passenger processing on shared infrastructure. This system allows different carriers to use the same check-in desks and departure gates in an integrated manner.
According to the AFP news agency, the company itself confirmed the problem. A spokesperson for Collins Aerospace, a unit of RTX, stated, "we have become aware of a cyber-related disruption to our MUSE software in select airports." The firm added that its technical teams are actively working to resolve the issue and restore services to normal.
The system failure is forcing airport operators and airlines to resort to manual procedures, which considerably slows down passenger flow and creates long queues in departure areas. Authorities at the affected airports are advising travelers to check their flight status directly with their airlines and to arrive at the terminal with extra time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Collins Aerospace MUSE system? The MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) system is a software platform that allows multiple airlines and ground handlers to share the same IT infrastructure at an airport, such as check-in desks and boarding gates.
Which airports are confirmed to be affected? So far, Brussels (BRU), Berlin (BER), and London-Heathrow (LHR) airports have officially confirmed the disruptions. It is possible that other terminals using the system may also be experiencing issues.
What should I do if I have a flight scheduled from one of these airports? It is advisable to contact your airline directly for the latest information on your flight status, arrive at the airport with significantly more time than usual, and pay attention to instructions from staff at the terminal.
Is the nature of the cyber attack known? No. At this time, Collins Aerospace has referred to the event as a "cyber-related disruption" without providing details on its nature or origin. Investigations are ongoing.
Impact on Operations
Modern aviation's reliance on interconnected IT systems makes it a vulnerable target for incidents of this nature. A failure at a single software provider, as in the case of Collins Aerospace, can have a domino effect, impacting multiple airports and airlines simultaneously.
While the company's teams work on a solution, airports are implementing contingency plans to mitigate the impact on passengers. However, it is expected that delays and occasional cancellations will continue until the MUSE system is fully operational and stable.
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