Ransomware Attack on Key Supplier Exposes European Airports' Cyber Vulnerability

The commercial aviation sector is still grappling with the fallout from a major cyberattack that targeted a critical third-party technology provider, causing significant disruption across several major European hubs. The incident, which impacted check-in and boarding systems, exposed a critical vulnerability in the highly digitized global air travel infrastructure.

Key Details of the Disruption

In a recent and widely reported incident, a ransomware attack crippled systems operated by Collins Aerospace, a major aviation IT service provider. This attack immediately affected automated services at multiple European airport locations. London Heathrow, Brussels Airport, and Berlin Airport were among the most impacted facilities.

The disruption forced airports and airlines to switch to manual check-in operations. This change led to widespread aviation flight disruption, including significant delays and numerous cancellations. For instance, Brussels Airport reported dozens of cancelled and delayed flights in the immediate aftermath. The incident underscored how a single point of failure can cascade through the entire air travel ecosystem.

Impact on Operations and Passengers

The attack on the third-party system affected electronic customer check-in and baggage drop services. While manual processing helped mitigate the crisis, it resulted in long queues and frustrated passengers. The incident highlighted the aviation supply chain vulnerability to sophisticated cyber threats. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) confirmed the attack was a ransomware strike.

• Affected Services: Electronic check-in, self-service kiosks, and automated bag drop.
• Mitigation: Airports reverted to manual processing for all passenger services.
• Consequence: Widespread flight delays and cancellations across multiple European airports.

Industry Response and Regulatory Context

The incident serves as an urgent call for greater cyber resilience critical infrastructure investment. Aviation regulators are already focused on strengthening defenses across the continent. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has established mandatory cybersecurity governance.

Specifically, EASA’s Part-IS Regulation sets compliance deadlines for air operators and maintenance providers. These deadlines, running through October 2025 and February 2026, mandate comprehensive security implementation. This regulatory push aims to protect mission-critical aviation systems against escalating threats. The global Aviation Cyber Security market is projected to grow significantly, reflecting the dramatic increase in attack frequency.

Experts note that 2026 is a recalibration point for the industry. Cybersecurity is now seen as foundational infrastructure, not merely a defensive necessity. The focus is shifting toward zero-trust architectures and AI-driven monitoring. This is necessary to counter threats that move at machine speed. The industry must build systems designed to absorb disruption, not just avoid it.

This event confirms that threat actors are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure. The geopolitical significance of European aviation makes its systems a prime target for state-sponsored operations. The industry must adopt a collaborative approach to threat intelligence sharing. This is essential for protecting the integrity of global air travel security and ensuring operational continuity. For more updates on this and other industry developments, visit our commercial aviation news coverage at flying.flights.