A major aviation cybersecurity incident has disrupted air travel across Europe after a ransomware attack on Collins Aerospace’s vMUSE passenger check-in and baggage handling software. The breach impacted several major hubs, including London Heathrow, Brussels, Berlin, and Zurich airports, causing widespread delays and passenger frustration.

How the Cyberattack Unfolded

The outage forced airlines to switch to manual check-in processes, resulting in long queues, flight delays, and operational chaos. According to reports, the attack targeted Collins Aerospace, a key IT services provider for the aviation industry and a subsidiary of RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies).

While Collins Aerospace has not confirmed ransom details, cybersecurity experts believe the incident aligns with a growing trend of supply chain ransomware attacks, where attackers exploit third-party providers instead of directly breaching airlines or airports.

Aviation Supply Chain at Risk

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) emphasized that this attack highlights the increasing vulnerability of critical aviation infrastructure. With airports depending heavily on interconnected IT systems, supply chain attacks present a serious risk that can paralyze global operations within hours.

Industry specialists warn that ransomware gangs are increasingly targeting aviation and transportation networks because of the high stakes and urgency of restoring disrupted services.

Why This Matters

Passenger Impact: Thousands of travelers across Europe faced delays and cancellations.

Economic Loss: Airlines and airports suffered financial strain due to disrupted schedules and compensation claims.

Cybersecurity Lessons: The attack underscores the urgent need for proactive aviation cybersecurity measures, including ISO 27001 compliance, third-party risk management, and advanced threat detection systems.

Final Takeaway

This Collins Aerospace ransomware attack is a reminder that the aviation industry is a prime target for cybercriminals. Strengthening defenses against airport disruptions, ransomware, and supply chain vulnerabilities must now be a top priority for global aviation security leaders.