Heathrow Airport, alongside several other European airports, is currently experiencing disruptions due to a cyber-attack impacting an electronic check-in and baggage system. The airport has indicated that there may be delays as a result of a “technical issue” linked to software supplied by Collins Aerospace.
Brussels Airport reported that a cyber-attack on Friday night led to manual check-in and boarding for passengers, while Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport faced longer waiting times due to the same issue. RTX, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, acknowledged a “cyber-related disruption” affecting its systems at select airports and stated that efforts are underway to resolve the issue.
This disruption specifically involves the Muse software, which facilitates shared check-in desks and boarding gates for different airlines. While British Airways claims to be functioning normally using a backup system, most other carriers at Heathrow have been affected. Flight tracker FlightAware noted that numerous flights have experienced delays throughout the day.
Passengers have reported long wait times, with some waiting over two hours to check in. For instance, one individual described her experience checking in for a Malaysia Airlines flight, noting manual tagging of luggage and difficulties with boarding passes. Another passenger reported being stuck on the tarmac for over an hour without updates on flight schedules.
Heathrow officials have recommended that travelers check their flight status before arriving and advised against arriving too early to the airport. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander mentioned she is receiving regular updates regarding the situation.
Other airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair, which do not operate from Heathrow, stated that they are continuing as planned. Brussels Airport anticipates significant flight schedule impacts, including cancellations, and has requested airline operators to reduce flight schedules during the disruption period.
Dublin Airport has also faced challenges, with Terminal 2 having to be evacuated as a precaution, although no reason for this evacuation has been officially provided.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3drpgv33pxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss