Cyberattack Hits Collins Aerospace Systems
A cyberattack on Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, has disrupted check-in and boarding operations at several major European airports, leading to flight delays and cancellations on Saturday.
The attack targeted software used by airlines and airports worldwide, causing widespread disruption in passenger processing.
Airports Affected
- London Heathrow Airport, Europe’s busiest, confirmed that Collins Aerospace’s systems were down, directly affecting check-in and boarding.
- Brussels Airport reported that automated check-in and baggage systems were rendered inoperable on Friday night, forcing staff to switch to manual operations.
- Berlin Airport also issued an advisory warning travellers of long delays and potential cancellations as recovery efforts continued.
“This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will, unfortunately, cause delays and cancellations of flights,” Brussels Airport said in a statement.
Despite the disruption, Frankfurt Airport in Germany and Zurich Airport in Switzerland reported they had not been affected.
RTX Confirms Cyber-Related Disruption
RTX, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, acknowledged the issue, describing it as a “cyber-related disruption” at selected airports.
According to the company, the impact was limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop systems, though manual alternatives were being used to mitigate the problem.
“We are working to fix the issue as quickly as possible,” RTX said in an emailed statement.
Airlines Respond
- EasyJet confirmed its flights were operating normally and said it did not expect weekend schedules to be impacted.
- Ryanair and British Airways owner IAG did not immediately comment.
- Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Affairs Minister, Krzysztof Gawkowski, stated that Polish airports had not been affected by the cyberattack.
Passengers travelling from affected airports have been urged to check with their airlines before heading to the airport, as delays and cancellations may continue until systems are fully restored.
Growing Cyber Threats in Aviation
The incident underscores the increasing vulnerability of aviation infrastructure to cyberattacks.
- In July 2025, Russia’s Aeroflot suffered a major breach that forced the cancellation of over 100 flights, impacting both domestic and international routes.
- Earlier this year, airports worldwide faced DDoS attacks and ransomware threats, including one at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which was forced to switch to manual operations for several hours.
Key Takeaway
The Collins Aerospace cyberattack highlights the growing cybersecurity risks facing global aviation. With reliance on digital infrastructure at an all-time high, experts warn that airports and airlines must strengthen IT defences to prevent disruptions that could affect millions of passengers worldwide.
