Heathrow Airport's Electronic Check-in System Hit by Cyber-Attack, Causing Flight Delays

Heathrow Cyber-Attack Causes Delays as Electronic Check-in System Hit A cyber-attack on Saturday affected Heathrow Airport's electronic check-in system, causing delays for several flights. The airport's software provider, Collins Aerospace, confirmed that its Muse system had been compromised, impacting the ability of airlines to use shared check-in desks and boarding gates. According to a statement from RTX, which owns Collins Aerospace, "the impact is limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop and can be mitigated with manual check-in operations." However, passengers at Heathrow reported long lines and delays as staff manually processed flights. Similar disruptions were experienced at Brussels Airport, where passengers were checked in and boarded manually after a cyber-attack on Friday night. The Muse system allows multiple airlines to share the same check-in desks and boarding gates, reducing the need for individual airline-operated facilities. However, this shared infrastructure also creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. "We are aware of a cyber-related disruption to our system in select airports," said RTX spokesperson. "We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible." The cyber-attack on Heathrow and other European airports raises concerns about the security of airport systems and the potential for future disruptions. "This incident highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in critical infrastructure," said a spokesperson for the International Air Transport Association (IATA). "Airports must prioritize the protection of their systems to prevent similar incidents in the future." The current status at Heathrow is that flights are being processed manually, with some delays reported. Airlines and airport officials are working together to minimize disruptions and ensure passenger safety. In related news, a recent report by the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) highlighted the growing threat of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, including airports. The report emphasized the need for increased investment in cybersecurity measures and improved collaboration between industry stakeholders. As the aviation industry continues to rely on complex technology systems, the risk of cyber-attacks will remain a pressing concern. However, with swift action from airport officials and airlines, disruptions can be minimized, and passenger safety ensured. Contributing factors: The shared infrastructure of the Muse system creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. The increasing reliance on technology in critical infrastructure makes it more susceptible to cyber-attacks. Airports must prioritize robust cybersecurity measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. *Reporting by Bbc.*