URGENT UPDATE: A significant cyber attack on a key provider of check-in and boarding systems is wreaking havoc at major European airports, including London’s Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, leading to numerous flight delays and cancellations. As of September 20, 2025, operations are severely disrupted, affecting thousands of travelers across the continent.
Collins Aerospace, the firm responsible for the affected systems, has confirmed a “cyber-related disruption” to its MUSE software, although specific details about the attack remain undisclosed. Heathrow Airport indicated that passengers should expect ongoing delays as the situation unfolds.
So far, aviation data provider Cirium reports that 29 departures and arrivals have been cancelled across the impacted airports, with 651 departures scheduled from Heathrow, 228 from Brussels, and 226 from Berlin today. Affected airports are urging travelers to check their flight statuses before heading to the airport.
In a statement, Dublin Airport also reported minor impacts, while Cork Airport is facing similar issues. Travelers are being advised to prepare for lengthy wait times and to verify their travel plans with airlines.
Brussels Airport has implemented manual check-in and boarding procedures, revealing that the incident began late on September 19, 2025. They reported an average delay of one hour for all departing flights, with at least 10 flights cancelled so far.
“It’s been great chaos, and it’s been quite … frustrating for most people here,”
said Tereza Pultarova, a journalist at Heathrow, who was scheduled to fly to Amsterdam at 6:30 AM for a connecting flight to Cape Town.
The situation underscores the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure, particularly when dependent on third-party suppliers. Rob Jardin, chief digital officer at cybersecurity firm NymVPN, commented, “Increasingly, hackers are not just criminals but are being weaponised by hostile nation states against Europe.”
Germany’s federal office for information security, the BSI, is in contact with Berlin Airport regarding the infrastructure disruptions caused by the outage. Meanwhile, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre is collaborating with Collins Aerospace and affected airports to assess the full impact.
As recovery efforts continue, travelers at affected airports are advised to remain vigilant and check with their airlines for updates. The situation is developing, and further disruptions are anticipated throughout the day. Stay tuned for more updates as authorities work to resolve this urgent situation.
