Heathrow Airport Paralyzed by Cyber-Attack: Electronic Check-In System Crashes

HEATHROW CYBER-ATTACK: DAY OF DELAYS AFTER AIRPORT CHECK-IN SYSTEM HIT LONDON - A cyber-attack on Saturday brought a day of disruption to Heathrow Airport, with numerous flights delayed due to a technical issue affecting the electronic check-in and baggage system. According to airport officials, a "technical issue" impacted software provided to several airlines, causing delays in passenger processing. The affected airlines were not specified. RTX, which owns software provider Collins Aerospace, confirmed that its Muse software was compromised, allowing different airlines to use shared check-in desks and boarding gates at the airport. "We are aware of a cyber-related disruption to our system in select airports," said an RTX spokesperson. "The impact is limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop, which can be mitigated with manual check-in operations." Heathrow Airport officials stated that a number of flights were delayed due to the issue, but did not provide specific numbers. Passengers were advised to contact their airlines for further information. In related news, Brussels Airport reported similar disruptions on Saturday, citing a cyber-attack on Friday night that forced passengers to be checked in and boarded manually. Berlin's Brandenburg Airport also experienced longer waiting times due to the problem. The incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, including transportation systems. "Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important for airports and airlines," said an industry expert. "This attack serves as a reminder that even with robust security measures in place, there is always room for improvement." As of Sunday morning, Heathrow Airport officials reported that the issue had been largely resolved, but passengers were still advised to check with their airlines for any further disruptions. The incident has sparked concerns about the vulnerability of airport systems to cyberattacks. "This attack shows that even the most advanced security measures can be breached," said a cybersecurity expert. "Airports and airlines must remain vigilant and invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such threats." In response to the incident, RTX stated that it was working closely with its partners to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure. As technology continues to advance, the threat of cyberattacks will only continue to grow. Airports and airlines must remain proactive in addressing these threats to ensure the safety and security of passengers. Background: Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving millions of passengers each year. The airport's electronic check-in and baggage system is a critical component of its operations, allowing for efficient processing of passengers and luggage. Context: Cyberattacks on transportation systems have become increasingly common in recent years. In 2019, a cyberattack on the city of Atlanta's computer systems caused widespread disruptions to services, including traffic lights and public transportation. Additional perspectives: "This attack highlights the need for airports and airlines to invest in robust cybersecurity measures," said an industry expert. "Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important for airports and airlines. This attack serves as a reminder that even with robust security measures in place, there is always room for improvement." Current status: The issue has been largely resolved, but passengers are still advised to check with their airlines for any further disruptions. Next developments: RTX will continue to work closely with its partners to resolve the issue and implement additional security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Airports and airlines will review their cybersecurity protocols to ensure that they are adequately prepared to respond to cyberattacks. *Reporting by Bbc.*