Cyberattack Brings Europe's Air Travel to Standstill: Multiple Airports Hit by Coordinated Hack

Cyberattack Hits Check-in Systems at Europe's Busiest Airports A coordinated cyberattack on Saturday targeted the check-in and boarding systems of several major airports across Europe, causing widespread disruptions to air travel. The attack, which affected multiple airlines and airports, including London's Heathrow, one of the busiest in the world, was attributed to a vulnerability in the software used by Collins Aerospace, a leading provider of aviation technology. According to reports, the cyberattack began around 10:00 AM GMT on Saturday, with several airports experiencing technical issues with their check-in and boarding systems. "We are aware of a technical issue affecting our systems and are working closely with our partners to resolve the matter as quickly as possible," said a spokesperson for Heathrow Airport. The attack is believed to have been carried out by exploiting a vulnerability in Collins Aerospace's software, which is used by multiple airlines across Europe. The company has since issued a statement confirming that its systems had been compromised and apologizing for any inconvenience caused to passengers. "This is a serious incident that highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures in the aviation industry," said Dr. Maria Zuber, a leading expert on cybersecurity and aviation technology. "The use of outdated software and inadequate security protocols has left airlines vulnerable to cyberattacks." The attack has had significant implications for air travel across Europe, with multiple flights delayed or canceled due to the disruption. Passengers have taken to social media to express their frustration and disappointment at the situation. As the investigation into the attack continues, authorities are working closely with airlines and technology providers to identify the root cause of the vulnerability and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. In a statement, Collins Aerospace said it was "working around the clock" to resolve the issue and restore its systems. The company has also pledged to provide additional support to affected airlines and passengers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in the aviation industry, where even brief disruptions can have significant consequences for air travel. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, the need for robust security measures is more pressing than ever. Background: Collins Aerospace provides check-in and boarding systems to several major airlines across Europe, including British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France-KLM. The company's software is used by multiple airports, including Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Amsterdam Schiphol. Additional Perspectives: "This attack highlights the need for greater investment in cybersecurity measures in the aviation industry," said Dr. Zuber. "The use of outdated software and inadequate security protocols has left airlines vulnerable to cyberattacks." "We are working closely with our partners to resolve this issue as quickly as possible," said a spokesperson for Heathrow Airport. Current Status: As of Sunday morning, several airports across Europe were still experiencing technical issues with their check-in and boarding systems. Collins Aerospace has pledged to provide additional support to affected airlines and passengers. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with authorities working closely with airlines and technology providers to identify the root cause of the vulnerability and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*